With the state’s road toll already at 97 compared to 81 at the same time last year, crews do not want to see any more tragedies as the busiest time of the year on South Australian roads approaches.
Limestone Coast Local Government Association road safety officer Rob Forgan praised emergency service crews for the work they do, particularly throughout the festive season.
“They play a wonderful role because we are a fairly large region and we are so lucky we have people within striking distance to be on the scene at the drop of a hat,” Mr Forgan said.
“A lot are volunteers and the role they play is just invaluable.”
Mr Forgan urged the community to give police, paramedics and emergency service crews a well-deserved break this Christmas period.
“It can be a terrible time for them if they are helping other people’s families who may have been involved in a serious incident, when it should be a time when they are at home with their own families,” he said.
“Let’s give them the day clear of accidents and let them relax because it is not just our emergency service crews, but also people working in hospitals and emergency departments – the last thing they want to see come through the door is a road crash victim.”
While recognising emergency services were important at this time of year, Mr Forgan said everyone should aim to drive safely to avoid personal tragedy.
“The important thing will celebrate Christmas and to experience road trauma is far from a celebration,” Mr Forgan said.
“The best gift we can give our families and ourselves will play it safe on the roads, be patient, do not speed and please do not drink and drive as that will lead to the worst hangover in history.”
Mount Gambier Police officcer in charge Senior Sergeant Chris King said people should stay safe on the roads by driving to arrive this Christmas period.
“Plan your trip in advance and take plenty of breaks to make sure you arrive safely and definitely do not drink and drive,” Sgt King said.
“We will be out in force throughout the Limestone Coast to detect drink drivers and speeding drivers, so expect to see an increased presence from the police force out on the highways.”
Superintendent Anthony Fioravanti of the Traffic Support Branch said he wanted motorists to take the time to think about their driving.
“With more than 90 people having died on our roads this year and more than 500 with serious injuries, many families across the state are welcoming the holiday season with significant changes in their lives,” he said.
“We want the community to have a safe Christmas – and not to see us at the scene of a preventable, life-changing crash.”
The Border Watch’s campaign is supported by the Limestone Coast Local Government Association. Keep your eye on The Border Watch Facebook page this week as we share road safety messages from representatives of each of the emergency service agencies in Mount Gambier. Users who share road safety videos posted on our Facebook page to spread the message will go into a random draw to win a calendar.
