Tasmanians have been urged to give the gift of life this Christmas by driving safely.

“For too many Tasmanians this time of year is a sad time because of the death or serious injury of a loved one,” said the Infrastructure and Police Minister, David O’Byrne.

“If we all take responsibility for driving safely, we will reduce the chances of this Christmas being a tragic one. Being around for this Christmas and for many more is the greatest gift.”

Mr O’Byrne said that although Tasmania’s road toll has trended down over the past decade, it was important not to be complacent.

“Every injury, every death is one too many.”

“We should also appreciate the hard work of emergency service workers, including State Emergency Service volunteers, who worked during the festive season and attended crashes."

Police Commissioner Darren Hine said that in the last Christmas-New Year period there were three fatalities and nine serious injuries.

“We want to prevent death and injury,” he said. “Under Operation Crossroads we will have additional high visibility patrols on our highways and major arterial roads.”

The main causes of crashes were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, and not driving to the conditions.

“Police will be targeting these behaviours with a highly visible police presence, targeting known hotspots, and static and mobile random driver drug/alcohol testing,” Mr Hine said.

Road Safety Advisory Council Chairman Jim Cox said that at this time of year more people were celebrating and people tended to be busier and in a hurry to get to their destinations.

“Getting into the driver’s seat after having a few too many drinks can end in death or serious injury,” Mr Cox said. “And speeding can have the same consequences."

“It is easy to avoid. If you are planning to have a few drinks, plan not to drive. If your speed is creeping up, slow down and when driving, concentrate 100 percent on driving and nothing else.”