News of another tragedy on the state’s roads was sure to send shock waves throughout the community.
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There were numerous warnings ahead of the weekend as wild weather hit much of the North, but sadly this did not prevent the death of a 50-year-old woman who lost control on a wet road while heading towards Lilydale on Saturday afternoon.
While police are continuing to look into the crash, early investigations suggest the wet weather played a large role in the tragedy.
The woman has been identified as a German national, living in Tasmania.
There are so many factors in this crash that serve as a devastating reminder about the importance of road safety.
Tasmania is home to some of the world’s greatest scenery, but with this comes windy and sometimes difficult to navigate roads.
Combine that with unpredictable weather and a driver who may be unfamiliar with the area and the situation can turn deadly.
Saturday’s crash was nothing short of heartbreaking.
A woman who was someone’s daughter and could have been a mother, partner, sister or grandmother, has lost her life.
Without undermining that pain and loss, it is vital to prevent such incidents from reoccurring.
The road on which this woman died, is the same road where an 18-year-old P-plate driver was killed in 2015 after he lost control, side-swiped one vehicle, and collided with another.
It is also the road where a 51-year-old Underwood man riding a motorcycle was left in a critical condition earlier this year, after he lost control of the bike and crashed into another car.
All three of these crashes, including the latest on Saturday afternoon, occurred near the Pipers River Road junction.
Online commentary from the community suggests the road is notorious for crashes and is a “difficult section” to drive along.
However, the safety and well-being of drivers on all roads in the state must be highlighted.
The state government and local road safety authorities have numerous campaigns in place targeting all road users, including tourists, motorcyclists and local drivers.
But is the message getting through?
Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of those who lost their lives on Tasmanian roads.
Melissa Mobbs
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
