LOCAL police have praised motorist behaviour following a fatality free October long weekend on the roads statewide for the first time in 10 years.
Mount Gambier Police Highway Patrol was highly visible throughout the region during Operation Safe Long Weekend, which ran from 3pm Friday to midnight Monday.
Police acting sergeant Paul Griffiths said patrols were happy with the behaviour on the roads across the three and a half days.
“We were very pleased there were no crashes that incurred serious injuries on any of the major highways over the weekend,” Act Sgt Griffiths said.
The pleasing outcome was welcomed by the authorities following nine fatal crashes in the Limestone Coast this year.
“There was only one serious car crash on Saturday night at Glencoe, which we believe was alcohol-related,” Act Sgt Griffiths said.
Across the South East, 37 expiation notices were issued for excessive speed, while a further 30 drivers were issued with cautions.
Act Sgt Griffiths said a total of 96 fines were issued for various traffic matters.
“We also had five drug drivers and a further 16 people were reported for various offences,” he said.
The highway patrol was assisted by additional resources from Adelaide during Operation Safe Long Weekend.
“Our high visibility will continue throughout Operation Riddoch,” Act Sgt Griffiths said.
While the police were generally happy with motorist behaviour, SA Police Traffic Support Branch Superintendent Bob Gray said the police focus on the offences aligned with the “fatal five” would continue.
The fatal five includes speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while distracted, not buckling up or dangerous driving.
“While we are pleased with the lack of fatalities on this high-risk weekend, it is still of great concern to police to see so many drivers flout the law, particularly with regard to speeding,” Supt Gray said.
“Police can only do so much – every road user in South Australia has a responsibility to obey the law and drive to the conditions.”
