In the lead up to Christmas, SAPOL is encouraging people to drive safely on our roads – stay alert and take breaks if you have a long drive ahead.
Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott said this year 67 lives have been lost on South Australian roads and 665 people have been seriously injured. This is compared to 99 lives lost and 827 serious injuries for the 2021 calendar year.
"Although the number of lives lost in 2022 is less than last year, that doesn't mean the impact on the community has been any less," Assistant Commissioner Parrott said.
"Since the beginning of the year, hundreds of people's lives have been drastically changed due to serious crashes on our roads. We do not want to add to this over the Christmas and New Year period."
Police Minister Joe Szakacs said speeding continues to be a leading cause of fatalities this year (34%), with seatbelts (32%) and distraction (31%) close behind.
"As people visit family and friends this holiday season, make sure you check your speed, wear a seatbelt and keep your eyes on the road. We want everyone to get to their destination safely," Minister Szakacs said.
Police will also be targeting drink and drug drivers with static and mobile testing over the festive season.
"If you are going to have a drink over Christmas, then just don't drive. Take a taxi or designate a driver who will remain alcohol and drug free," Assistant Commissioner Parrott said.
"SAPOL will have a highly visible presence across both metropolitan and country areas and will take a zero tolerance approach to those who blatantly choose to disregard the road rules."
The community is encouraged to report any bad driver behaviour via the South Australia Police website SAPOL - Report dangerous driving (police.sa.gov.au), or if you need immediate assistance call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
