Serious and fatal crashes have endless repercussions with the trauma felt by victims, families and friends for lifetimes after the incident.
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There have been four fatal crashes since Operation Crossroads launched on December 21, making it the deadliest Christmas period on Tasmanian roads since 2015.
The fatalities bring this year’s road toll to 33, which is down from 34 in 2017 and 36 in 2016.
Road Safety Advisory Council chairman Garry Bailey said speed, inattention, fatigue, drink and drug-driving, and not wearing a seatbelt were the reasons nearly 300 Tasmanians did not get home safely this year.
“Tragically 33 died on our roads and 260 have suffered serious injuries – in many cases they will live with the effects for the rest of their lives and the trauma will be shared by family and friends and the wider community,” Mr Bailey said.
Research conducted by the advisory council showed only 24 per cent of Tasmanians believe speeding is a major cause of crashes.
“The reality is that speeding is a factor in four out of 10 fatal or serious-injury crashes,” Mr Bailey said.
The survey also showed 34 per cent of Tasmanians think driving five to 10 km/h over the speed limit is acceptable and 44 per cent admitted to not complying with 100 km/h speed limits.
“We need to say, very strongly, that this behaviour is not acceptable. It’s selfish, it’s arrogant, it’s irresponsible and it’s high-risk. Speed limits are there to protect lives,” Mr Bailey said.
Tasmanian drivers think the greatest risk of speeding is losing their licence, according to the survey.
“In fact, serious injury or death is the greatest risk: to yourself, your family, your friends, and other road users,” Mr Bailey said.
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Using a mobile phone while driving is akin to having a “blindfold on”, but Mr Bailey said Tasmanians continue to ignore the law.
“Taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds means you will effectively travel 33 metres blind in a 60kmh zone,” Mr Bailey said.
“Every responsible Tasmanian driver – and they are the majority – needs to be part of the campaign to rid us of this scourge and make it as socially unacceptable as smoking.
“I would also appeal to Tasmanians that if there is family member or friend risking your life with their behaviour behind the wheel, let them know in the strongest terms. As a passenger, your life is in their hands.”
Tasmania Senior Sergeant Ian Mathewson said it was disappointing that inattention was a likely factor in the fatalities over the Christmas period.
“It is beyond disappointing to police and it is very frustrating,” Senior Sergeant Mathewson said.
“One fatal event is one too many on Tasmanian roads.”
The Examiner spoke to Tasmania Police Senior Constable and crash investigator Michael Rybka earlier this month as part of our In Your Hands road safety campaign.
His advice to drivers was simple; arrange a designated driver, wear your seatbelt, remove distractions such as mobile phones and don’t drive when tired.
