Police will target speeding motorcyclists across the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Barossa over the festive season, as authorities respond to a sharp rise in fatal and serious crashes.
Operation Safe Hills will run across Fridays, weekends and public holidays through to April next year, with speed cameras set up at multiple locations. Police say the blitz comes amid seven motorcyclist deaths and 162 serious injuries on South Australian roads so far this year, with 650 motorcycle collisions recorded.
Traffic Services Branch figures show the most common factors in rider-at-fault crashes are drink and drug driving, speed and dangerous behaviour. Most deaths occur when a rider loses control and hits a fixed object.
Police Minister Blair Boyer, who rides a motorcycle himself, said the numbers were distressing and urged riders to “stay safe and ride to the conditions” over Christmas and New Year.
“You have to be vigilant, especially around other motorists on the road,” he said. “Please do not take unnecessary risks and make sure you abide by the speed limit and wear protective clothing at all times.”
Officer in charge of Traffic Services Branch, Superintendent Shane Johnson, said warm weather and dry roads can give riders a false sense of security.
“Most deaths occur when motorcycle riders hit a fixed object or leave the road out of control,” he said. “Lowering your speed can save your life if something goes wrong.”
Operation Safe Hills last year detected more than 12,600 motorists speeding, including 29 drivers caught more than 45 kilometres an hour over the limit.
Residents can expect increased enforcement on popular riding routes in the coming months.
