Yesterday was another horrific day on Tasmanian roads. Tragically, a mother and child have died following a crash in the state’s south yesterday evening. This news came the day after a 16-year-old sadly lost his life following a single vehicle crash in Devonport.
It’s absolutely heartbreaking that we continue to see the tragic loss of life on our roads, which are nearly always preventable. Every fatal crash is depriving family, friends and their communities of someone they love.
From January to 11 May this year, there has been 26 deaths on our roads. That’s 16 more than the same period last year.
Road Safety Advisory Council (RSAC) Chair, Scott Tilyard is pleading with motorists to stay safe on the roads following a deadly start to the year.
“26 people have died on our roads so far this year, with six in this month alone. Enough is enough.
“In July 2009, nine people lost their lives within 12 hours on Tasmanian roads. The last few days have reminded me of that terrible time. 63 people died on our roads that year. Nobody wants another year like that.
“We’re constantly reminding Tasmanians about the ‘fatal five’ (speeding, distraction, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fatigue or failure to wear seatbelts), and that’s because they continue to feature frequently and prominently in serious casualty crashes.
“I cannot stress how important it is to do the right thing when you are driving or riding on the road because the consequences can be deadly.
“Driving is one of the things we do every day, which is why we tend to take it for granted, but too many people fail to appreciate the inherent risks.
“To keep ourselves and other road users safe, it is up to each of us to take responsibility for our own actions on the road. Look after each other!
“With the rate of fatalities on Tasmanian roads we are pleading to stop this dangerous behaviour now – don’t speed, put your mobile phone away, wear your seatbelt and don’t drive if you are tired or have consumed alcohol or drugs.
“It only takes a split second for tragedy to unfold on our road. So please drive safely for your own and everyone else’s sake.