Tasmania Police conduct statewide road safety operation after 20 fatalities

Police conducted 495 random breath tests, recorded 111 offences and busted six unlicensed drivers in the north while a further 227 offences were recorded in the Southern and Western districts.

READ MORE: Crash survivor still can't drive at night after 25 years

Northern District Commander Stuart Wilkinson said the sheer number of offenders remained a serious concern.

"While we expect to detect motorists disobeying the road rules during focused policing activity like today, the high number of drivers doing the wrong thing ... is concerning to us," he said.

"It should also be concerning to the community."

Across the North of Tasmania about 50 officers were mobilised in a range of traffic policing roles while the helicopter remained at the ready and Tasmania Police's state of the art drone hovered above the scene.

With the state's road toll currently at 20 and four fatalities having been recorded in the past month, the operation focused on the "Fatal Five" contributors to crashes - obey the speed limit, pay attention, rest if you're tired, buckle up every person in the vehicle, never drive after drinking or taking drugs.

Commander Wilkinson said crashes continued to occur despite increasing police presence on the roads.

"We're highly committed to impacting driver behaviour and reducing the number of serious and fatal crashes on our roads," he said.

"One fatal crash on our roads is one too many. We're aiming for zero fatal crashes, that's what we want to see."

The fatal five contributors are called such as they continue to be a factor in a majority of recorded fatal crashes.

Commander Wilkinson said while police presence worked as a reminder for drivers be vigilant on the roads, it came down to the individuals behind the wheel.

"Driver behaviour is key. If drivers lower their speed and take more care on the roads, the chances of having a serious or fatal crash are very, very much reduced," he said.

Across Wednesday the 50-plus strong team was out in force, patrolling highways in the north of Tasmania as well as conducting roadside checks at various points.

READ MORE: Ariarne Titmus wins second gold medal

At static points along the roads vehicles were inspected for defects and roadworthiness.

"Having police visible on our roads is a deterrent to people speeding, not wearing a seatbelt or not paying attention," Commander Wilkinson said.

"It also allows up to interdict with motorists that are using drugs or drink driving."

The operation coincided with a dreary winter's day where roads were covered in water, and Commander Wilkinson said it was particularly important to be safe on wet roads.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: