South Australia Police join police jurisdictions from across Australia to launch National Day of Action
Today South Australia Police join other police organisations from across the country to launch the road safety National Day of Action, which is a direct response to the increase in the number of road fatalities this year compared to last year.
Road policing operations will be running across the country and there will be an increased police presence across South Australia, including regional and rural areas. Officers will be targeting the Fatal Five offences: drink and drug driving, speeding, distraction, seatbelts and dangerous road users.
The day originates from a forum held in July this year; at which Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams personally attended, to address the challenges facing the entire nation at this time with respect to road safety and deaths on our roads.
Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams co-chaired the forum and she strongly believes that if we are going to address road safety at a national level, then it is important that a coordinated approach is taken.
“Police across the country are saying enough is enough,” she said.
“This year has been a terrible year for people losing their lives on our roads; not only in South Australia, but across the country. This road safety National day of Action is about bringing this to the attention of everyone who uses our roads.
“The community can expect to see additional police on the roads today, including a highly visible police presence in rural and regional settings, which were identified as a problematic area for most police jurisdictions in 2019.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility and we need the help of the community in order to make sure everyone gets home safely to their family and friends.
“The human toll of both fatalities and serious injuries is heartbreaking, but what is frustrating for police is that the vast majority of these crashes are preventable. Many come back to driver error, such as speeding, falling asleep at the wheel or not paying attention.
“It is essential that police, public and other agencies work together to reduce the trauma on South Australian roads.”
Police Minister Corey Wingard also acknowledged the need for individuals to play a part in helping prevent fatalities.
“Almost every death on our roads this year has been preventable. Our regions, in particular, are too often suffering from the horrific consequences of road trauma,” he said.
“That is why we are investing more than a billion dollars into upgrading regional roads and coming down hard on motorists who deliberately break road laws.”
Operation National Day of Action will conclude at midnight.
