An unprecedented month-long road safety campaign consisting of seven individual SAPOL operations targeting irresponsible drivers has launched today.
An unprecedented month-long road safety campaign consisting of seven individual SAPOL operations targeting irresponsible drivers has launched today.
Heading into the Easter long weekend, the Marshall Liberal Government stands with SAPOL in supporting a multi-pronged approach to prevent further lives lost and serious injuries on our roads.
Road Safety Minister Vincent Tarzia said 32 lives have tragically been lost on state roads this year in comparison to 30 at the same time in 2020.
"This multi-operation approach is needed to save the lives of South Australians," Minister Tarzia said.
"Six lives have been lost during the Easter long weekend in the past 5 years. A further 48 people were seriously injured.
"Distraction has killed more people during Easter than any other Fatal Five factor, with four lives lost in the past five years.
"This year alone, 15 lives lost have been attributed to distraction.
"Multiple SAPOL operations will be in play this month to keep people alive on our roads, stop serious injuries, and make sure every motorist makes it home safe.
"Think about your behaviour behind the wheel, or on the bike, and play your part to keep the long weekend fatality free."
Operation High Impact Fatal Five will run throughout April targeting irresponsible driver behaviour.
Operation Barossa Focus Fatal Five – which commenced on Friday 26 March and ends on Sunday 11 April – was initiated following a spate of lives lost in the Barossa Valley this year.
The sub-operations of Operation High Impact Fatal Five running this month are:
- 1-5 April: Operation Safe Long Weekend Easter.
- 11-12 April: 24-Hour Operation Stop Drink Drug Drive.
- 23-26 April: Operation Safe Long Weekend Anzac Day.
- 25 April: 24-Hour Operation Stop Drink Drug Drive – Anzac Day.
- 27-28 April: Operation Return to School.
- 1-26 April: Operation Safe Hills 2020 – 2021.
SAPOL Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott said every motorist has a part to play.
"Our role as police is to educate people about the dangers of the Fatal Five and to deter dangerous behaviours by having a highly visible presence on the roads across the state," AC Parrott said.
"We'll continue to do that this weekend. But we need the South Australian driving public to play their part too.
"We're asking every driver to make a concerted commitment to doing the right thing and not take risks on the road this Easter."
The Fatal Five causes of lives lost are speeding, drink/drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, distraction and dangerous driving.
