Adelaide King’s Birthday long weekend: Police spread important message

Police have pleaded with South Australian motorists to stay safe on the roads during the long weekend as the RAA unveils its tips to avoid being punished at the bowser.

Police have urged South Australians to stay safe while travelling to enjoy the King’s Birthday long weekend.

Operation Safe Long Weekend will commence on Friday at 12.01am and continue until midnight on Monday.

Police will be monitoring the state’s roads and targeting the fatal five causes – drink and drug driving, speeding, not wearing a seat belt, dangerous driving and distraction – of crashes.

Superintendent Darren Fielke, Officer in Charge Traffic Services Branch, said South Australian police are “pleading” with people to “take care” on the roads this long weekend.

“Police have a range of strategies and tactics that they’ll use,” he said.

Police will be monitoring the state’s roads as part of Operation Safe Long Weekend. Photo: Tom Huntley

“We really want people to arrive alive and get home safely.”

Superintendent Fielke said a total of four lives have been lost and 46 people have suffered serious injuries on the same weekend in the last four years.

“While those numbers don’t appear that high over four years, it is unacceptable to have any lives lost or any serious injuries,” he said.

Experts are also encouraging motorists to prepare early and save money on petrol.

Motorists are encouraged to fill up their tanks ahead of the long weekend lest they get slugged for high petrol prices.

RAA fuel expert Mark Borlace said fuel prices are already rising, so motorists should get in early before they leave for their holidays.

“If you need petrol ahead of the long weekend, now is the time to fill up if you see ULP in the 170 cents per litre range,” Mr Borlace said.

Today’s the day to fill up ahead of the long weekend.

“As of Tuesday morning there are still some outlets selling ULP for under 170 cents per litre, so our advice is to use a price checking app.

“Shopping around for fuel ahead of a trip away will save you money at a time when household budgets are feeling the pinch.”

He said motorists may get hit with prices of up to $2 per litre of petrol at the pump.

“If you’re heading away this weekend and need unleaded fuel, fill the tank up now as many outlets have already gone up.”

Despite unleaded petrol cycles being “harder to predict around long weekends” after low prices they are beginning to spike.

Mr Borlace advised that unleaded prices will be “cheaper in the regions” over the long weekend.

What’s the weather going to be like in SA this long weekend?

And after midweek thunderous storms which left thousands without power, conditions look to be clearing up for the long weekend.

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Mark Anolak said the weather in the state is looking “okay” ahead of the extended break.

“There’s a few showers over the next couple of days but that should clear up.”

He said “for the most part” conditions on Saturday and Sunday look fine.

In Adelaide, the mercury will reach 17C on Saturday with a medium chance of showers and on Sunday temperatures will increase slightly to 18C with cloudy conditions.

Monday will “start off fine”, Mr Anolak said, with a top of 19C but there is a high chance of showers later in the day.