This festive season don’t let a bad choice be your last – make the right decisions so you can celebrate safely with your loved ones.
Tasmania’s road toll for the year is 28, prompting a plea for all road users to play a part in preventing this number from increasing.
“As the year draws to a close, life becomes busier with end of year events and preparations for the holiday season. It’s easy to become distracted during this busy time, and as a result, the risks on our roads can increase significantly,” said the Chair of the Road Safety Advisory Council Scott Tilyard.
A moment’s distraction, impatience or poor decision making can have life-altering consequences.
“The festive rush can breed impatience – plan your trips, allow extra time for possible delays, and remember it’s better to arrive a little late than not all all.”
To date, 284 people have been seriously injured on Tasmanian roads this year, compared to 301 people seriously injured at the same time last year.
“For many injured on our roads, recovery can become a lifelong struggle, not only for the injured person but also for family and friends.”
Mr Tilyard urged motorists not to become complacent this holiday season, warning that doing so can be just as dangerous as the Fatal Five – speeding, distraction, driving under the influence, failing to wear seatbelts and fatigue.
“Many people assume that because they are experienced drivers, crashes won’t happen to them. But we know that this mindset can also lead to lapses in judgement and reaction time.
“Overconfident drivers often underestimate risks which can lead to dangerous behaviours like speeding, risky overtaking and ignoring traffic rules,” said Mr Tilyard.
Pedestrians are also urged to be alert, particularly when crossing streets. There have been four pedestrian fatalities in Tasmania this year.
“It’s not the right time to check your phone when you’re crossing the road. And with many people attending social events, remember alcohol impairs our ability to judge distances, affects our balance and slows reaction times, not just while driving but also when walking.”
The holiday period is always a busy one for emergency services. Tasmania Police will be looking out for risk taking and illegal behaviours before they lead to or contribute to a catastrophic crash.
“We want nothing more than for everyone to arrive safely at their intended destination and urge all road users to keep that in mind over the Christmas period,” said Mr Tilyard.
The Fatal Five are no accident – they’re choices.
- Speeding: Slow down, drive to the conditions, your loved ones are waiting.
- Drink and drug driving: It’s not worth the risk – plan a safe way home.
- Distraction: Put your phone down, concentrate on the road ahead – no message is worth a life or being seriously injured.
- Not wearing a seatbelt: Buckle up – seatbelts save lives.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is often underestimated. Rest before you drive – With less than five hours sleep, you’re four times more likely to crash. If you’re feeling tired while driving, find a safe spot to pull over, have a rest or swap drivers if possible.