POLICE are urging motorists to take care on the roads this Easter with traffic volumes expected to increase today and over the long weekend, particularly in rural areas.
The combination of school holidays and the Easter long weekend makes it one of the most popular weekends of the year for holidaying and community activities.
As a result, the South East becomes a popular destination for tourists.
“We’re lucky here in the Limestone Coast to be a destination for tourists, but what comes with that is an increase in traffic during holiday periods, so people need to be mindful of that,” Limestone Coast Police acting officer in charge Inspector Campbell Hill said.
“We would advocate for people to be patient, share the road and please take responsibility for your own driving.”
With the state’s road toll currently standing at 36, Insp Hill pleaded with the community to not let that number increase.
“Easter long weekend is a time where we strive for a fatality free and serious injury free weekend,” he said.
“We certainly do not want to have someone knocking on the door at Easter time to tell a family somebody will not be coming home.”
As a result, Insp Hill said the Limestone Coast highway patrol would aim to have a highly visible presence right across the region during the Easter period.
“People can expect to see a lot of police out over the long weekend, we certainly have a commitment for everyone to have a safe and happy Easter,” he said.
However, the onus is also on the driver and Insp Hill said fatigue can contribute to more than 30pc of fatalities on Australian roads.
“Take the time to take time-out,” he said.
“It is recommended that you stop every two hours for 10 minutes if you are leaving the Limestone Coast to head to another destination.”
Superintendent Bob Gray, the officer in charge of the SA Police Traffic Support Branch said today’s crash risk was particularly high, with statistics revealing three times as
many crashes occurred on Easter Thursday.
“Historically, the risk of a crash is three times greater on this day, so I am appealing for the public to take extra care, plan ahead and be patient,” Supt Gray said.
“Fatigue can produce inattention, zoning out and day-dreaming which are all extremely hazardous while driving.”
He said the long weekend was the focus of a significant road safety campaign by SA Police and all available officers on duty will be on the roads.
“While other people are enjoying a break with their friends and family, we will be hard at work,” he said.
“That means we will play close attention to main arterial roads into and out of Adelaide as well as monitoring the five road safety factors we know contribute to fatal and serious injury crashes.
“Motorists need to belt up, obey the speed limit, concentrate on the road and driving environment and make a choice not get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or illicit drugs.”
