Motorists are advised to slow down, take care on the road and drive to the conditions as a result of severe weather currently being experienced in the North and North-West.

Police are responding to a number of reports of fallen trees on roads, particularly in the Devonport and Latrobe areas, which are a hazard to road users.

“We’re asking motorists to slow down and drive to the wet and windy conditions. Whether you are travelling on a major highway, urban street or rural road today, Tasmania’s road surfaces and corresponding driving conditions will differ significantly from driving in fine and clear weather.  Vehicles will respond differently and drivers need to adjust their driving behaviour to suit those conditions,” Acting Inspector Steve Jones said.

What are motorists likely to experience?

• hazards including trees on the road
• reduced visibility through rain and road spray from other vehicles;
• slippery road surfaces, particularly in and around intersections and roundabouts;
• increased water on the road surface
• Increased vehicle stopping distances

What does ‘drive to the conditions’ mean for a motorist?

• Turn your lights on – increase your visibility and make yourself seen;
• Avoid harsh acceleration and sudden stops – sudden acceleration and braking will result in loss of traction, skidding to your vehicle and possible loss of control;
• Increase the following distance between yourself and the car in front of you – your vehicle will take longer to stop in the wet;
• Most importantly, reduce your speed and adhere to the yellow roadside warning and speed advisory signs – they’re there for a reason.  If the road is wet, today is not the day to travel on the speed limit – slow down;
• Don’t rush and leave yourself time to get to your destination mindful that you will need to travel at a reduced speed.

“When driving a motor vehicle, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and the safety of the people around you – be aware of your surroundings and adapt your driving to suit those conditions,” Acting Inspector Jones said.