As temperatures continue to drop across the state and the road toll continues to rise, Tasmanians are being urged to drive to the conditions and prepare for black ice.
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So far this year, 17 people have been killed on Tasmanian roads.
That is five more than this time last year.
Senior Sergeant Jason Jones from Northern Road and Public Order Services said road safety was everyone’s responsibility.
“Unfortunately, there is only so much we can do, it is up to everyone to take care of themselves on the road,” he said.
“Don’t rush, give yourself time to get to where you are going.”
Hazards to watch out for in winter are black ice, wet roads and frosty windscreens.
“We see so many people looking out through a small hole in their windscreen, and if you do that you’re only getting a small perspective of what’s around you,” Senior Sergeant Jones said.
“Don’t drive early in the morning until your windscreen is defrosted properly.”
When it comes to black ice, Senior Sergeant Jones said it was all about being prepared.
“If you are going into an area where you think there is black ice, slow down,” he said.
“There’s not much you can do once you hit it, just ease into it and don’t slam on the brakes.”
The message was not just for drivers either, with a number of crashes involving pedestrians this year.
In May, a woman was taken to hospital after she was hit on the corner of Elizabeth and Charles streets.
A month earlier, a person was hit on Lower Charles Street.
Last year, a man was killed while crossing the road in Launceston’s CBD.
The 65-year-old Newnham man did not use a pedestrian crossing.
Police advise pedestrians should:
- Wear light coloured clothing or reflective at night.
- Use crossings where possible and obey the signals.
- Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol as it slows reflexes and impairs judgement when crossing roads.
Bike riders should:
- Ensure your bike has front and rear lights.
- If riding at night use flashing rear lights.
- Wear reflective clothing to increase visibility.
- Wear an approved safety helmet.
For updates on road closures and warnings, visit police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts.