As most South Australians get ready to welcome another public holiday, SAPOL are busy preparing for the launch of Operation Safe Long Weekend, an annual policing operation aimed at increasing road safety.
When the operation last ran in 2018, it resulted in the first fatality-free October Long Weekend since 2008, and SAPOL are aiming for the same result this year.
The high visibility policing operation, which will run for the entire long weekend, focuses on making the state's roads safer by actively deterring motorists from engaging in behaviour that contributes to fatal and serious crashes.
Police will be targeting the Fatal Five offences of speeding, seatbelt misuse, distraction based offences (which include mobile phone offences), as well as drink and drug driving.
Last year 8,563 motorists were alco tested with 57 returning positive results.
In addition, of the 639 drivers required to undergo a drug screening test, 40 returned a positive result.
A total of 780 drivers were detected speeding, 42 were caught using their mobile phones while driving, and 47 were pulled over because either the driver or passengers were not wearing a seatbelt.
Superintendent Bob Gray, the officer in charge of the Traffic Services Branch, said he hopes motorists make the right choice behind the wheel this time around.
"Too many motorists were caught doing the wrong thing during the last October long weekend," he said.
"And while we hope the numbers will be lower in the next few days, one thing is for certain: if you are acting irresponsibly on our roads, you will be dealt with accordingly.
"We all deserve to reach our destination safely. But when you speed to reach that destination more quickly, or simply don't pay attention, you gamble with the lives of other drivers, and that's reflected in the lives we've lost on our roads.
"Aim to do the right thing this long weekend."
Corey Wingard, Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, echoed the message from SAPOL ahead of the October long weekend.
"The Marshall Liberal Government has an unwavering commitment to road safety and we remain resolute in that commitment.
"I call on - no I expect - all South Australians to abide by the road rules, take breaks from long stints of driving and to make good choices behind the wheel.
"The October long weekend last year was fatality free, let's make it another fatality free weekend."
Operation Safe Long Weekend will run from 12:01am Friday 4 October and concludes at 11.59pm on Monday 7 October.
