Tasmania’s Road Safety Advisory Council is concerned by the alarming road toll just two months into the new year.
A fatal crash in the North East over the weekend brings Tasmania’s road toll to seven for 2025, compared to two deaths recorded at the same time last year.
Serious injuries on Tasmania’s roads have also increased, with 62 people injured so far this year compared to 49 at the same time in 2024. This figure sits above the five-year average of 50.2.
Notably, three of this year’s fatalities have been motorcyclists, compared to none during the same period last year.
Chair of the Council, Scott Tilyard, is pleading with all road users to do the right thing to stay safe on the roads following this tragic start to the year.
“It’s devastating to see so many lives lost and families torn apart by road trauma. Each death and serious injury on our roads is a tragedy and our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones or are suffering the lifelong impacts of serious crashes.
“We cannot accept road deaths and injuries as inevitable—they are almost always preventable. Every road user has a role to play in making our roads safer.”
Mr Tilyard warned that this year’s trend is reminiscent of 2022, when Tasmania recorded 51 road fatalities. By this time in 2022, four lives had already been lost—fewer than the seven reported so far in 2025.
He also highlighted the ongoing impact of the Fatal Five driving behaviours (speeding, inattention, driving under the influence, failure to wear seatbelts, and fatigue) which continue to be major contributors to serious and fatal crashes.
“Despite significant investments in safer roads, driver training and education programs, we are still seeing too many road users engaging in high-risk behaviours,” Mr Tilyard said.
“Tragedy can strike in an instant. We urge all motorists to make safe choices—not just for themselves, but for everyone on the road.”