Tasmania Police Detective Inspector Philippa Burk said the head-on crash between two cars in the state’s North-East occurred about 2.15pm.

“A Mitsubishi Outlander was travelling towards Lebrina, a black Mercedes was travelling towards Launceston,” she said.

“It would appear from initial investigations at the scene that the Mitsubishi Outlander has crossed onto the incorrect side of the road, colliding with the black Mercedes.

“The female driver of the Mercedes has passed away.”

Detective Inspector Burk said the driver of the black Mercedes was a Tasmanian woman in her 60s.

“The female driver of the Outlander and the male front-seat passenger are currently at the Launceston General Hospital being treated for injuries,” she said.

Detective Inspector Burk said the injuries sustained by the occupants of the Outlander were not critical, and they were both in a stable condition.

She said initial indications from crash investigation experts and forensic services at the scene were that inattentiveness may have been a factor.

“This is a terrible tragedy for the families of the people involved, both people, particularly the woman who passed away.”

Detective Inspector Burk said this was the fourth serious or fatal crash to take place across the Christmas period.

On December 27, a two car crash occurred on the Arthur Highway at Dunalley in the state’s south resulting in the death of an 18-year-old man.

Detective Inspector Burk said Tasmania Police was undertaking Operation Crossroads for the Christmas and New Year period, enforcing and encouraging safe behaviour during the traditionally high-crash period.

The Examiner’s In Your Hands campaign aims to complement the operation by bringing awareness to road safety over the holiday period.

Detective Inspector Burk urged motorists to take care on the roads and to reflect on the “fatal five” causes of road accidents.

“Slow down, drive to the road rules, be attentive, don’t speed, don’t drink drive, and stay alert and stay awake,” she said.

“Have consideration for other road users.

“I just plead with motorists to listen to what we’re saying. I just implore upon you to help us stop the road trauma.”