Horror year gets worse
43-year-old man killed as road toll soars
TASMANIA’S horror year on the roads continues after a 43year-old driver died on Huon Rd at Longley on Sunday.
Early investigations by Tasmania Police indicate the man was driving south on Huon Rd when he failed to negotiate a right-hand curve in the road and crashed into a bridge.
Emergency services arrived at 12.30am on Sunday but the man died shortly afterwards, bringing the 2022 Tasmanian road toll to 34.
His 43-year-old female passenger was seriously injured and taken by ambulance to Royal Hobart Hospital where she remains for ongoing treatment.
It is unknown what the female passenger’s relationship was to the deceased driver.
Detective Inspector Rebecca Davis said crash investigators believe alcohol and speed were contributing factors, but investigations were ongoing.
Early investigations suggest the car, a red Nissan Micra, left the Longley Hotel before the fatal crash.
Inspector Davis appealed to the public for any information regarding the crash.
“Tasmania Police would like to express their sincere condolences to the family. This is another death on Tasmanian roads and, as you know, it’s one too many,” she said.
“If you have any information in relation to this crash or any other driving behaviour, please do not hesitate to contact crash investigation services or Crime Stoppers.”
She said weather and road conditions were not believed to be factors, since the road was dry and the traffic was light at the time of the crash.
Inspector Davis said the total road toll for 2021 was 35, and that 2022’s road fatalities were already much higher than at the same time last year.
“What I would like to encourage is for people to be reminded to drive to the conditions, opt for a designated driver, and take care of one another out on the roads,” Inspector Davis said.
Anyone who may have seen a red Nissan Micra before the crash is asked to contact Crash Investigation Services on 6230 2111 or by contacting Crime Stoppers. Anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage is invited to upload the files at the Tasmania Police crash portal.