Play it Safe this Festive Season

The Infrastructure and Police Minister, David O’Byrne, today appealed to Tasmanians’ sense of mateship to avoid serious crashes this festive season.

“Mates look out for each other – especially at this time of the year,” Mr O’Byrne said.

“Let’s all do the same on our roads.

“If someone’s about to drive after too many drinks – stop them. And be firm.

“If you’re in a speeding car – speak up and tell the driver to slow down.

“The best Christmas present you can give your family is to arrive safely,” he said.

In recent years, Tasmania’s overall road toll has trended down to historically low levels.

But the Acting Police Commissioner Scott Tilyard said in the past five years, nine people have been killed in road crashes over the Christmas-New Year period, and 62 seriously injured.

“That is too many families touched by tragedy at Christmas,” said Mr Tilyard.

“We will have additional high visibility patrols on our highways and major arterial roads to improve safety,” he said.

Police will target high risk driver behaviours that are the main causes of serious crashes: speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and not driving to the conditions.

The Chairman of the Road Safety Advisory Council, John Gledhill, urged drivers to concentrate 100 per cent on driving.

“Many crashes happen because of not paying attention to driving,” Mr Gledhill said.

“Don’t answer your mobile phone when driving, make sure you’ve had enough sleep if going on a long journey, and don’t drive after drinking or using drugs.

“The current Road Safety Advisory Council anti-drink driving campaign is about real mates not letting their mates drink and drive.

“It’s a message for everyone. So while we’re celebrating, we should remember to look out for each other. If someone’s going to drive and they’re not okay to – stop them,” he said.