SA police want a safe weekend in SA

Motorists are being urged to put their mobile phones down while driving to help give South Australia its first fatality-free October long weekend in six years.

Police conducted Operation Distraction during September and say more than 1500 people were caught using their mobiles while driving.

"Police will be out and about this weekend, and we would urge drivers to consider their behaviour, put their phone down and be patient on the roads," Senior Sergeant Stephen Murray said.

Also during September 400 people across rural SA were caught not wearing seatbelts, a basic step to keep themselves safe, Sgt Murray said.

From 3pm on Friday until midnight on Monday, police will conduct Operation Safe Long Weekend with a focus on speeding, seatbelt and mobile phone offences and drink and drug driving.

Sgt Murray said police wanted people to enjoy their time off but to also stay safe.

"We ask people to drive safely and don't become a statistic," he said.

"Ensure that you enjoy the long weekend, get to where you are going safely and get home safely."