SAPOL pleads to ‘stop the carnage’ this long weekend

As South Australians gear up to enjoy the Adelaide Cup long weekend, motorists are urged to drive safely to prevent further carnage on the state’s roads.

The carnage refers to the number of lives lost so far this year, which currently sits at 32, compared to 15 this time last year, making it the worst start to the year since 2010.

The alarming road toll has prompted SA Police to call for extra vigilance this long weekend, particularly in regional areas, where a staggering 71 per cent of this year's deaths have occurred.

“The grief of losing a loved one on the road is incomprehensible,” Assistant Commissioner, Ian Parrott, said.

“Each life lost represents someone who is deeply loved – they are parents, children, friends, and respected community members, and include people who had dreams and goals for their lives.

“They are people who often have had their life taken because of a selfish decision by another road user.

“We must stop the carnage here.”
The Hills Fleurieu Local Service Area in particular sees increased traffic activity during holiday periods, and has recorded the second highest incidence of road trauma on March long weekends over the past five years, with one life lost.

This comes as this year’s figures show four of the 32 lives lost occurred in the Hills Fleurieu, with another 31 people seriously injured, and 68 drink drivers and 25 drug drivers detected.

Similarly, the Murray Mallee Local Service Area has experienced a large amount of road trauma in 2023, with five lives lost, 10 people seriously injured, and 53 drink drivers and 33 drug drivers detected.

Over the past five years, 47 lives have been lost in the Murray Mallee region, with 15 per cent of those involving drink or drug driving, approximately 19 per cent to speeding, and a further 53 per cent to distraction.

Commissioner Parrott warned police will be highly visible on the roads across the long weekend, with increased mobile and static driver testing in metropolitan and regional locations.
“SAPOL makes no apologies for repeating the fundamental road safety messages each and every time, as these are the messages we know will save lives,” he said.

“Before you even get into your vehicle, stop and think about the decisions you are about to make on the road.

“Stick to the signed speed limit, keep your eyes and awareness firmly fixed on your surroundings and road signal signs, be patient and considerate to other road users, and never under any circumstance choose to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
Over the coming months, SAPOL will continue its focus on developing and raising the visibility of public education campaigns, addressing areas that are leading to serious road injuries and fatalities, including dangerous driving, motorcycles, drug and drink driving, seatbelts, and distraction.

Future campaigns will also have a focus on reminding the public of new penalties for extreme speed and drug driving, including an immediate loss of licence, vehicle impoundment, and $5000 expiation notices for first offences.

Motorists convicted of driving with a suspended or disqualified licence could face an increased imprisonment term of up to 12 months.