As revelers get ready to celebrate the long weekend, South Australia Police are reminding the community to remain responsible and alert behind the wheel.
This year the Adelaide Cup forms part of the long weekend, and with current festivities happening across Adelaide, the city is bound to be filled with plenty of activity both on and off our roads.
To deter road users from engaging in behaviours that contribute to fatal and serious injury crashes, police have today launched Operation Safe Long Weekend Adelaide Cup.
The four day state-wide traffic operation will be focusing on speeding, seatbelts, mobile phone offences, drink and drug driving, and recidivist dangerous road users.
Superintendent Bob Gray, Officer in Charge of the Traffic Services Branch, wants people across the state to heed the expert safety warnings from police.
“Don’t waste your long weekend, or any weekend, by doing the wrong thing, because you risk losing your licence, money, or even your life,” he said.
“Whether you’ll be sticking around to enjoy all of the events our city has to offer, or you’re planning a road trip to make the most of the long weekend, our message is still the same: stay safe on our roads,” he said.
“There will be more vehicles on our roads and more pedestrians out and about than usual, so please be patient and alert wherever you are.
“And if you plan on drinking then make sure you plan your trip home in advance. Take public transport, have a sober driver, book a ride share – there are plenty of options, we just ask that you opt for a safe one that won’t put yourself or others in danger.”
Minister for Police Corey Wingard also hopes that South Australians will do the right thing in the coming days.
“We’re lucky to live in a city that has so many wonderful events on offer during this time of year, so we shouldn’t ruin the festivities by making a potentially deadly choice,” he said.
“Prioritise your own safety by remaining calm and patient when you’re behind the wheel, and in turn, this will help keep others safe.
“We’ve already lost too many lives on our roads this year, and the community should be standing together in solidarity to help make road safety a top priority.”
Operation Safe Long Weekend Adelaide Cup began at 12:01am today, Friday 6 March and will end at 11:59pm on Monday 9 March.
