Police believe a man who was killed in a single-vehicle crash at Turners Marsh would have survived if he was wearing a seatbelt.
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About 12.45am on Thursday, a 20-year-old Underwood man lost control of his red Toyota Landcruiser and veered into gravel while travelling north on Pipers River Road.
Early investigations indicate the driver attempted to correct the ute, but the vehicle ended up on the wrong side of the road, causing the ute to roll over.
Tasmania Police Inspector Ruth Orr said the driver was negotiating a slight right-hand bend when he lost control.
The 20-year-old died at the scene.
“My advice from crash investigators that attended is this fatality would’ve been preventable if the driver was wearing a seatbelt,” Inspector Orr said.
His passenger, who was believed to be wearing a seatbelt, was taken to the Launceston General Hospital by ambulance.
The 21-year-old Ravenswood man was later discharged.
The Landcruiser sustained significant damage as a result of the crash.
Police are investigating whether speed, drugs or alcohol are contributing factors to the crash.
“We are asking people to be aware of the fatal five factors … and please be safe on our roads,” Inspector Orr said.
The fatal five are speeding, failure to wear seatbelts or helmets, alcohol and drugs, distraction, and fatigue.
Road Safety Advisory Council chairman Garry Bailey said the importance of wearing a seatbelt had always been one of the council’s key messages.
“Seatbelts do save lives,” he said.
“There have been a number of fatalities in the last five years where police say wearing a seatbelt could’ve saved a life or serious injury.”
Anyone who saw the vehicle in the area around the time of the crash should contact Constable Michael Rybka at the Northern Crash Investigation Unit on 6777 3936.
Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.
Thursday morning’s fatality brings the state’s road toll for this year to 25, which is two higher than the same period last year.
This year’s figure is also up compared to the five year average which is 23