The Commissioner of Police and Minister for Police joined forces today to appeal for motorists to drive responsibly this long weekend.
Noting that that only white crosses this Easter should be on buns, they have issued the plea for motorists to take extra care with 36 lives already lost on the state's roads in 2019, compared with 22 at same time last year.
Commissioner Grant Stevens said the human toll of those fatalities, and the serious injury crashes which have occurred, is immeasurable.
He said that the Easter long weekend is a period of higher than usual traffic flow on the State's rural road network, but that motorists needed to plan ahead, slow down and show courtesy on all roads.
"We all have a part to play in road safety," he said. "We all need to take responsibility, not matter how long or short the journey, how familiar the roads or what the road conditions are."
He said this long weekend is the focus of a significant state-wide road safety campaign by SA Police – will have all available officers on duty on the roads.
"While other people are enjoying a break with their friends and family, we will be hard at work," he said.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Corey Wingard commended SAPOL for their dedication over the long weekend but also reminded drivers that road safety must start with them.
"Let this Easter be memorable for the right reasons and not the wrong ones," he said.
"Drive safe, follow the road laws, have a great time and get you, and your family, home safe."
The police road safety operation - detailed here - will focus on the Fatal Five factors which are clearly linked to fatal and serious injury crashes:
- Speeding
- Seatbelts
- Distraction
- Drink and drug driving
- Recidivist dangerous road users
Operation Safe Holidays Easter 2019 will be in effect from noon on Thursday (18 April) until 11.59pm Monday 22 April.
