Operation Safe Holidays Christmas 2020 has concluded for another year but South Australia Police will continue their road safety efforts as many motorists still continue to speed and put their lives and the lives of others at serious risk.
During the festive season operation which ran from 19 December 2020 until 3 January 2021 police focused on the fatal 5 offences of speed, drink and drug driving, distraction, seatbelts and dangerous users. Alarmingly, over the two week period, a total of 1,931 speed offences were detected and expiation notices given.
Operation Safe Holidays Christmas also included thousands of alcotests, with a total of 27,461 drivers tested and 169 of those tests resulting in a detection. This shows that 0.62% of people were drink driving, suggesting that the majority of road users understand the need to act responsibly on the roads by not driving while under the influence of alcohol.
SA Police is also particularly disappointed with the results for drug driving with 1,596 drug tests conducted and 237 drivers returning a positive result, meaning over 14% of people tested were driving with THC, methylamphetamine and/or MDMA in their system.
In addition to the above, 85 people were issued with an expiation notice or reported for seatbelt offences and 122 people were expiated or reported for distraction offences related to mobile phone use. Furthermore, 113 drivers / riders were issued an instant loss of licence and 257 vehicles were impounded.
These results are made further disappointing with two fatalities on SA roads only a few days into the new year, with one fatality occurring on new year's day by a cyclist struck by a car that was being driven dangerously.
Superintendent Bob Gray, the Officer in Charge of the Traffic Services Branch says the results are concerning and a disappointing way to start a new year.
"I implore people to make a commitment this year for yourself, your families and other road users. Make a commitment to drive responsibly, to not speed- not even by a little, and to not allow yourself to be distracted at all while driving".
"Plan early and give yourself some extra time so you're not rushing to get to your destination. Take ample breaks and let your 100% focus be on driving safely at all times. There are simply no excuses".
