In a 24-hour blitz that coincided with St Patrick's Day and the final weekend of the Adelaide Fringe, police caught 52 drivers under the influence of either drugs or alcohol on our roads.
Police conducted a state-wide operation (Operation Stop Drink Drug Drive) targeting drink and drug drivers, using both static and mobile testing, from 7am on Friday 17 March until 7am on Saturday 18 March.
This is a disappointing increase on a recent similar operation in December, which netted 35 drink or drug drivers.
Officers tested 4033 drivers for alcohol, with 34 drink driving offences detected. One driver failed to comply with testing and was immediately disqualified from driving for 12 months.
The highest alcohol reading was a 43-year-old Henley Beach South man who recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.187 – nearly four times the legal limit.
Police also conducted 148 drug tests, with 17 drivers testing positive to drugs.
A total of 35 immediate losses of licence notices were issued and 23 vehicles were impounded.
Police warn motorists that although Mad March may be coming to an end, they can still expect to be tested for alcohol or drugs at any time of the year.
Superintendent Bob Gray, Officer in Charge, Traffic Services Branch said, "Any police officer has the power to test any driver, on any road, at any time of the day or night. If you are involved in a crash, even if you are not at fault, you can expect to undergo routine drug and alcohol testing. Don't get caught out! Don't risk it; don't drink or drug drive."
