Call for drivers to slow down

AN extra 175 people will die on the state’s roads over the next five years if drivers do not heed the public health message to slow down, the head of Tasmania’s Road Advisory Council says.

Council chairman Garry Bailey said Tasmanians had shown during the COVID-19 pandemic they could band together and work to save lives.

“This is in contrast to the attitude displayed by speeding drivers which is a state disgrace,” Mr Bailey said

Tasmania’s road toll has risen tragically in recent weeks despite several quiet traffic months due to travel restrictions.

Four deaths and 14 serious injuries had been recorded in the past three weeks alone — the most recent on Sunday morning when an Uber vehicle and a motorcycle collided in Launceston.

Police said speed and alcohol may have contributed to the fatal crash and the motorcyclist might have failed to observe a red light.

The state’s road toll stands at 22 compared with 19 at the same time last year.

“Initial investigations are that the motorcycle rider was travelling well in excess of the posted speed limit and may have disobeyed a red light,” police said.

“It is also possible that alcohol was a contributing factor to this crash.”

Another crash was reported on Sunday morning after two vehicles collided on the Tasman Highway at Dunalley.

Police say 10,000 drivers were detected travelling 15-29km/h over the limit last year.

“This is a disgrace. These people are selfish and ignorant. If things keep going the same way another 175 Tasmanians will die on the roads in the next five years,” Mr Bailey said.

“Speed is an aggravating factor in every crash and the faster people go the greater the chances of being killed or seriously injured.”

The number of people dying on Tasmania’s roads has not decreased since 2013 despite ongoing road safety messages.

“We know why people are crashing. It is speed, fatigue, being affected by alcohol and drugs, inattention and not wearing seatbelts. Seatbelts have been around for 40 years, it really should be second nature but some people simply refuse to wear them.”

Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said responsibility was shared by all road users: “One death on Tasmanian roads is too many, and as a community, we need to work together to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries,” he said.

THIS IS A DISGRACE. THESE PEOPLE ARE SELFISH AND IGNORANT. IF THINGS KEEP GOING THE SAME WAY ANOTHER 175 TASMANIANS WILL DIE ON THE ROADS IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

GARRY BAILEY