Although Anzac Day will look very different this year, police will still be focusing on road safety for Operation Stop Drink/Drug Driving Anzac Day.
With gatherings of more than 10 people prohibited in South Australia, Anzac Day parades and dawn services have been cancelled. People are instead expected to pay their respects from the safety of their homes.
But despite the predicted lack of traffic this Anzac Day, police will still be on our roads as a reminder that now is not the time for motorists to become complacent.
All road rules still apply and police will be targeting drink and drug drivers over the weekend, which will not be a long weekend. Unlike some other states, South Australia does not have a long weekend and Saturday 25 April will be the only allocated public holiday.
Regardless of the state-wide day off, police strongly encourage people to stay home. If you have to drive, remember that police will still be out there on a 24/7 basis.
Static Random Breath Testing (RBT) has been temporarily suspended, but mobile RBT operations are still being conducted. Earlier this month during Operation Safe Long Weekend Easter, police conducted a total of 1,510 alcotests and 222 drug tests through random mobile testing.
Of those tests, 62 motorists were detected with alcohol in their system, while 40 reported positive drug detections.
Superintendent Bob Gray, Officer in Charge of the Traffic Services Branch, hopes these recent results serve as a stark reminder that police are still targeting dangerous drivers.
"We understand that people want to pay their respects this Anzac Day, or simply get out of their homes for a reprieve, but this is not the time to travel anywhere," he said.
"This Anzac Day traffic operation certainly looks very different to those in the past, and these circumstances are difficult for everyone. But the only way we can stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home and maintain social distancing.
"If you absolutely have to drive, you must remember that road rules still apply to everyone with no exemptions. Crash data indicates a strong proportion of crashes happen close to home, even to and from local shops.
"This means that even if you are driving to pick up essential groceries, you are still at risk if you do not follow road rules which have been put in place to protect you.
"Our message to all South Australians this Anzac Day, and every other day during this situation, is to stay safe and stay home. This is for your sake and the sake of the community."
Operation Stop Drink/Drug Driving Anzac Day will run from 0001 on Saturday 25 April until midnight.
