More than 9500 motorists were required to undergo a breath test over the long weekend as part of a SA Police road safety campaign, with 59 drivers returning a positive result for alcohol.
During the state-wide Operation Safe Long Weekend campaign police also drug tested nearly 600 motorists, with 43 returning a positive result.
Superintendent Bob Gray, the officer in charge of the SA Police Traffic Support Branch, said it was unacceptable to police that drivers would choose to consume alcohol or illicit drugs and then drive.
“Each one of these drivers made a choice that put themselves and other road users at risk,” he said.
“Detecting drink and drug drivers will remain a priority for the South Australia Police throughout 2019, so I would urge the community to play their part in making the roads safer for us all.
“Motorists should remember that they can be pulled over by any police officer at any time and required to undergo a breath test.”
He noted that motorists were alco tested – and caught over the limit – in every Local Service Area and SAPOL District across the state.
“No area or community is immune from this issue, which makes it important that everyone play their part,” Superintendent Gray said.
“Studies have shown that every increase of 0.05 above zero in BAC level doubles the risk of being involved in a casualty crash.”
The current road toll stands at 11, compared with five at the same time last year.
Operation Safe Long Weekend – Australia Day – results
Fatalities – 2
Serious injuries – 2
Alco Tests – 9511
Alcohol Detections – 59
Drug Tests – 596
Drug Detections – 43
Speeding Detections – 493
Mobile Phone Offences Detected – 59
Seat Belt Offence – 60
