Tasmania Police conducted 30-per-cent more random breath tests, than at the same period last year, since Thursday for Operation Crossroads. 

There were 11,117 random drug and alcohol tests to date, compared to 7827 in 2016 at the same stage in 2016. In 2017, 31 motorists had been charged with drink-driving offences, compared to 28 in 2016.

“Given that police have conducted approximately 30-per-cent more RBTs this year this actually indicates a drop in the number of drink-driving offenders per persons tested, however, the number is still too high,” Acting Inspector Stewart Williams said. Thirty-four drivers returned positive oral fluid tests in 2017, compared to 15 in 2016.

“Due to the rise in the amount of testing police are conducting, a significant rise in the number of positive drug [tests] has been observed,” Acting Inspector Williams said. 

“Clearly people are still not heeding the message.

“Driving with alcohol and-or drugs in your system reduces your ability to drive safely on our roads.”

On Easter Monday, State Emergency Services will be hosting driver reviver stations at locations including The Sideling on the Tasman Highway, St Peters Pass on the Midland Highway, and Parramatta Creek on the Bass Highway. 

Acting Inspector Williams encouraged Tasmanians to allow time to stop off at a rest spot on long drives. 

“It’s amazing the impact these sorts of breaks have on your ability to refocus on the important task of getting you and your family home safely,” he said. Operation Crossroads wraps up on Wednesday.