LIMESTONE Coast Police will call on drivers in South East communities to “take the pledge and choose road safety” during today’s National Day of Action.
It follows a meeting in July between police commissioners from all over the country to discuss challenges the nation faces in respect to road safety.
South Australia Police Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams co-chaired the forum held in Melbourne and encouraged a coordinated approach to tackle the issue.
As a direct result of the forum, all police jurisdictions from across the nation agreed to participate in a National Day of Action.
After nine deaths on Limestone Coast roads so far in 2019, local service area officer in charge Superintendent Phil Hoff said police in the South East would actively participate in the initiative.
“We intend to stop the killing on our roads, people are getting killed using their mobile phones, they are getting killed drink-driving, they are getting killed being dangerous and something as simple as not wearing a seatbelt is getting people killed,” Supt Hoff said.
“With nine deaths on our roads, we are well over-represented with deaths on the road and every one of them has been avoidable.”
Supt Hoff said today’s day of action would focus on both enforcement and education.
“Where we see people breaching the law we will be enforcing it rigorously and we will be educating drivers on their behaviours,” he said.
“You can expect to see a very visible police presence in the Limestone Coast.”
He said people need to take responsibility for their own behaviours on the road and adjust to the conditions.
“If people see a 100kph sign, they think they are allowed to drive to that speed, but sometimes it’s highly inappropriate,” Supt Hoff said.
“If it’s raining or there are animals are around, maybe 60kph or 70kph is a more appropriate speed.
“We will be looking for every opportunity to engage with the public and provide them with education where it is necessary.”
As part of the National Day of Action there will be a display at the Mount Gambier Market Place from 10am to 2pm where members of the community will be encouraged to make the pledge to drive safely.
