No room for complacency on our roads as Tasmania Police target offenders

Tasmania Police’s Operation Safe Arrival wraps up today but motorists and road users doing the wrong thing will continue to be targeted. 

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis said that tragically three people lost their lives between December 22, 2023, and January 3, 2024, and eight people also sustained serious injuries. 

“Our hearts go out to those hurt on our roads over the Christmas period. All road trauma is devastating but particularly so in what is for most people a time of joy and family. 

“Unfortunately, as the results from Operation Safe Arrival show, there are still far too many people taking risks and putting others in jeopardy on our roads. 

“Police have so far conducted 16,007 random tests during this period with 689 speeding offences, 70 offences for drink driving, 85 for positive oral fluid (drug) tests, 39 offences for disqualified/unlicenced driving, 32 for mobile phone use and 27 seatbelt offences. 

“We also introduced the speed, seatbelt and phone detection cameras late last year to support our police in making sure people are following the road rules and doing what they can to stay safe. 

“In just four months these mobile cameras identified 43,793 speeding offences, 420 mobile phones offences and 654 seatbelt offences. This is nearly 45,000 times when people were either taking risks or putting other road users at risk. 

“Tasmania Police alone can’t make our roads safer without individuals also taking responsibility for driving safely on our roads as well. 

“We need people to understand the choices they are making every time they get behind the wheel or on a motorbike and that these choices can literally save lives – your own or someone else’s. 

“The Fatal Five still account for the vast majority of dangerous behaviours – speeding, not wearing a seatbelt correctly, drink and drug driving, inattention and fatigue.  

“So, Tasmania Police will continue to be out and about across Tasmania patrolling our roads but the message is simple – pay attention, buckle up, watch your speed, rest if you’re tired, never drink drive and store your mobile phone in the glovebox and don’t get distracted.” 

Minister Ellis urged all Tasmanians to make a special effort to make 2024 the safest year possible on our roads.