As a community we should lower our tolerance of behaviour that places road users at risk and not meekly accept that road trauma is the inevitable cost for the use of motor vehicles.

Adopting a lower tolerance means that there will be a greater level of ownership of road safety within the community and that people are prepared to demand a higher standard of behaviour on our roads. This approach will see us not only reinforce the unacceptability of the major causes of road trauma, such as drink driving and speeding, but also driving which is currently regarded as simply inattentive or negligent.

Police, as one of the agencies responsible for road safety, should and will, take the lead in helping to set community standards. We will work with the community to raise the standard of behaviour expected, to be clear and unequivocal about these standards and to educate road users about what is acceptable behaviour. For those who are not prepared to act responsibly, we will enforce the law and seek legislation to ensure appropriate standards are met.

A lower tolerance by SAPOL also means that road safety has a broader mandate and is not just the responsibility of traffic police. All police have an opportunity and responsibility to make a contribution.

Central to reducing death and injury on our roads will be a greater level of collective responsibility for road safety within SAPOL and the community.

Together we can make South Australia a safer place.

Mal Hyde
Commissioner of Police