South Australia Police yesterday joined forces with police from across the country to participate in a National Day of Action, to highlight road safety.
Conducted as a direct response to the number of injuries and fatalities on Australian roads, SA Police breath-tested more than 7500 drivers across the state and required nearly 340 to undergo a drug test.
The National Day of Action led to an increase in police presence nationally, and in South Australia a 24-hour operation was held to target the Fatal Five offences of speeding, non-wearing of seatbelts, mobile phone offences, drink and drug driving and dangerous road users.
During the operation 7,682 drivers were alcotested, 339 were tested for drugs and 363 people were detected speeding. In total from those 17 drivers returned positive reading for alcohol and 36 for drugs.
There were 11 casualty crashes in South Australia during the operation, two of which were serious injury crashes.
South Australia had no road fatalities during the National Day of Action.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams said that although the operation was successful, police need the help of the community when it comes to road safety.
“We want motorists to realise that outside of this operation, people are dying on our roads who do not need to be,” she said.
“In order to achieve safer roads in South Australia, we need the help of every driver.
“People need to take personal responsibility for their actions and to pay attention every time they’re behind the wheel. Drive to the conditions, use common sense and stay safe on our roads.
