Operation Danger, which ran from Monday 17 to Sunday 23 June 2024, targeted dangerous road user behaviours that are responsible for many of the fatalities recorded on the state's roads annually.
Dangerous driving is an intentional disregard for the road rules and laws and includes offences such as;
- Speeding
- Following too close (tailgating)
- Disobeying traffic lights and signs
- Failing to give way
- Changing lanes without proper care
- Failing to keep left
- Not using headlights effectively (i.e. at night or in hazardous weather)
- Misusing a motor vehicle (hooning)
"The aim of Operation Danger is to deter and detect dangerous road user behaviour that contribute to harm on our roads and to enhance overall road safety," Traffic Services Branch Officer in Charge, Superintendent Darren Fielke said.
Static and mobile patrols detected a total of 405 instances of dangerous driving during the operation resulting in 13 arrests/reports for traffic related offending, 266 cautions, and 126 expiations.
Concerningly, 25 drivers were caught speeding at more than 30km/h over the posted speed limit, 49 drivers were caught over the legal blood alcohol limit and 71 drivers were caught with illegal drugs in their system.
Other widespread behaviours detected included 83 drivers failing to give way, 55 following too close, and 139 driving without effective lights.
"The results of Operation Danger coupled with the tragic loss of two lives and nine seriously injured drivers over this period shows that road users still have a lot of work to do to reduce trauma and make our roads a safer place," Supt Fielke said.
"South Australia Police will continue to conduct focused road safety operations throughout the year to complement the day-to-day road safety activities undertaken by patrols, targeting the Fatal 5 contributing factors to crashes."
