It is always a sobering reminder to be careful on our roads when we hear or read news of a serious road crash.
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We forget how vulnerable we can be behind the wheel of a vehicle and often drive with the mentality “it won't happen to me”.
Over the past three months, Tasmania has witnessed a three-fold increase in the number of people killed on our roads. That number now sits at 17. In the year to March 31, it was five.
Whether it be because of the weather, or the "fatal five", it is time drivers started heeding the warnings put out daily by Tasmania Police, the Road Safety Advisory Council and the RACT.
On Tuesday, police urged motorists to slow down and drive to the conditions following reports of black ice and reduced visibility on our roads.
That warning also asked motorists to pay attention while driving, wear a seatbelt, do not drive while tired or drive with drugs or alcohol in their system.
It seems like a simple request, but unfortunately it can often fall on deaf ears. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the driver. Each person’s life on the road is determined by someone else’s actions.
Drivers need to be accountable. They need to take heed of those warnings. No one likes hearing about, seeing or attending a crash – whether it be serious or fatal.
Our hard-working emergency services do not like having to knock on a family member's door or telephone them with the tragic news that a loved one has died.
Even those whose job it is to attend those horrific incidents are affected. Like return service people, the realities of the job can leave a life-long scar.
In the past week, paramedic Lauren Hepher reported that first responders were up to five times more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder than those in the wider community. It's a frightening statistic.
While winter weather can affect driving, we must change our behaviour to be safe while behind the wheel.
The government can erect more signs warning drivers to slow down, that the roads are prone to ice, or an area is likely to experience fog – but it will have no impact if the driver is not paying attention. The RACT can publicise information about the importance of checking tyre pressure, headlights and child restraints – but again it will do nothing if people choose to ignore it.
Our life is in your hands.
