Man dies as year’s horror toll grows

TASMANIA Police is analysing the state’s dire 2020 road toll figures to devise how to push the road safety message home and clamp down on those doing the wrong thing.

Four people have been killed on Tasmania’s roads in less than two weeks and 14 have died since the start of the year.

A 24-year-old man from the Tasman Peninsula was killed in a two-car crash on the Arthur Highway at Copping early yesterday morning and three men were killed in a horror smash on Bass Highway at Carrick 10 days ago.

The toll includes three pedestrians – in Huonville, Launceston and Burnie.

At this time last year, Tasmania had recorded six deaths on the road.

Commissioner Darren Hine said the spate of road deaths had raised serious concerns.

“We are certainly troubled by the number of fatalities,” Commissioner Hine said.

“That is 14 families that have been impacted by the death of a loved one this year.”

He reminded the public to also think of the impact road fatalities had on Tasmania’s first responders.

“These are tragic numbers,” Commissioner Hine said.

“Police are looking at the figures and further road safety announcements are pending.

“Some people are just not getting the message – pay attention on the road, wear a seatbelt and don’t drink or take drugs before driving.”

The Road Safety Advisory Council emphasised that driving is a dangerous activity that requires total concentration.

“Driving is the most dangerous thing many of us do every day and because we do it every day, we can become complacent,” chairman Garry Bailey said.

Yesterday’s crash occurred just after midnight and crash investigators are still determining the circumstances.