Tasmania Police issued 778 offence notices across the Easter long weekend in the state, with 632 of those for speeding.
During Operation Crossroads from April 1 to 6, police conducted 4423 random alcohol and drug tests, and conducted 97 oral fluid tests, with 31 motorists charged with drink driving offences and 31 drivers returning a positive oral fluid test.
Police also caught 632 drivers speeding, 38 drivers with inattentive driving, 35 drivers for mobile phone use and 11 drivers for seat belt offences.
Acting Inspector Justin Lawson said police would like to congratulate the majority of road users over Easter.
"It's disappointing however, to see the number of infringement notices issued over the Easter period and the number of people that were put at risk by driving behaviours that involve distraction," he said.
"During Operation Crossroads 632 infringement notices were issued for speeding offences and 35 for mobile phone offences. That text message or phone call can wait. If you are driving, leave your phone alone.
"Excessive speed and inattention are the two largest contributors to fatal and serious injury crashes on our roads.
"I urge every driver and rider to slow down, obey the speed limit and remember that it's not just your life you could be putting on the line. Everyone is keen to get away for that Easter break but it's not worth risking your life and that of other road users, just for the sake of arriving a few minutes earlier at your destination."
IN OTHER NEWS:
There was one fatal crash and three serious injury crashes on Tasmanian roads during Operation Crossroads, including the death of a 62-year-old motorcyclist on the West Tamar Highway near Exeter on Thursday.
Acting Inspector Lawson said every death and serious injury on the state's roads was one too many.
"The life-long impression on everyone involved in a crash is devastating. From their families, their friends and loved ones to the first responders attending the scene. The far reaching impacts can be very distressing," he said.
"Although Operation Crossroads has concluded, police remain committed to improving driver behaviour by maintaining regular patrols on urban and rural roads. You never know where the police may be, that car behind you could be an unmarked police vehicle."
Police wanted to remind all motorists of the 'fatal five' contributing factors to fatal and serious injury crashes. They include:
- Seatbelts - Buckle up every person in the vehicle, seatbelts save lives.
- Speeding - Obey the speed limit, it's there for a reason
- Alcohol/drugs - Never drive after drinking or taking drugs, you'll be putting more than your life on the line.
- Distractions - Pay attention, one moment of distraction is all it takes to cause a crash.
- Fatigue - Rest if you're tired, arriving late is better than not arriving at all.
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Isobel Cootes
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
