POLICE presence was increased this week as part of two campaigns aimed to educate drivers about the dangers of excessive speed and reduce fatalities on South Australian roads.
Millicent Police Senior Sergeant First Class Rick Errington said police targeted the fatal five – driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, distraction, seatbelts and dangerous road users – during the two programs.
The highly visible Operation Safe Speed started on Monday and Sgt Errington said drivers could expect to see a higher police presence on Limestone Coast roads.
Speed continues to be a concern for police, with 2018 vehicle crash data pointing to excessive speed as a contributing factor in 20pc of fatal crashes.
According to police data, the risk of a casualty crash almost doubles with every 5kph speed increase on a 60kph speed limited road, or with every 10kph speed increase on 110kph roads.
Research also suggests a reduction of 5kph in average travel speed would reduce rural casualty crashes by about 30pc and metropolitan crashes by about 25pc.
Tuesday’s National Day of Action focused on challenges facing the entire nation in regards to road safety.
As of yesterday morning, 75 lives had been lost on South Australian roads in 2019 – an increase of 30pc compared to the same period in 2018.
Police Minister Corey Wingard acknowledged the need for individuals to play a part in helping prevent fatalities.
“Almost every death on our roads this year has been preventable,” he said.
“Our regions in particular are too often suffering from the horrific consequences of road trauma.
“That is why we are investing more than $1b into upgrading regional roads and coming down hard on motorists who deliberately break road laws.”
State Traffic Support Branch Superintendent Robert Gray said the aim of Operation Safe Speed was to ensure drivers reduce their speed to save lives and minimise injuries.
“Every traffic contact during this operation is an opportunity for our officers to reiterate this,” he said.
“Over the course of this operation drivers can expect to see a large police presence on our roads, particularly in locations with the highest traffic volumes.
Operation Safe Speed ended at midnight on Thursday.
