Tasmanians are being urged to play a part in keeping the State’s roads fatality and injury free this Christmas / New Year period.

The National Christmas Road reporting period starts on 23 December 2012 and ends on 3 January 2013. This period coincides with the launch of the fourth Operation Crossroads – a joint Australia and New Zealand Police Commissioners’ initiative, which aims to reduce death and injury on our roads.

In what is one of the busiest times of year for Tasmania Police, there will be additional high visibility patrols and road safety operations on the State’s highways and major arterial roads.

“Tasmania Police is committed to improving driver behaviour, with a focus on reducing the level of fatal and serious injury crashes,” said Acting Commissioner Scott Tilyard.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. All road users need to take responsibility for their actions by obeying the traffic laws and driving to the conditions.

“At this time of year there is an increase in the number of vehicles on our roads and it’s important to remember that everyone has the right to travel on the road safely, whether by car, motorcycle, bicycle or on foot,” said Mr Tilyard.
Police will target high-risk driver behaviours that are the main causes of serious crashes and road fatalities.  These include speeding, alcohol / drugs, seatbelts, distraction and fatigue.

Police will undertake random breath and drug testing operations while speed cameras and mobile speed devices will be used to detect speeding motorists. Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras will also be used to detect unlicensed and disqualified drivers and unregistered or stolen vehicles.

Thirty people have died on the State’s roads this year. Twenty-four people died on Tasmania’s roads in 2011.

“The road safety message is not new. While the majority of drivers do obey the laws, there are still a few who choose to ignore these rules and this has the potential to end in tragedy, said Mr Tilyard.”

With increased volumes of traffic on the road at this time of year, police urge motorists to allow extra time to reach their destinations, show courtesy to fellow motorists and factor in breaks on long trips.

“For those attending Christmas functions plan ahead – if you’re planning on having a few drinks organise a designated driver, take public transport or a taxi, Mr Tilyard said.”