National Road Safety Week has kicked off in Tasmania against a sobering backdrop, with authorities revealing April saw 11 road fatalities – the deadliest month since July 2009.
The annual awareness campaign comes as Tasmania grapples with mounting road trauma, with 21 lives lost and more than 106 people seriously injured on state roads already this year.
Road Safety Advisory Council Chair Scott Tilyard is calling for a fundamental shift in how Tasmanians think about road safety.
“It’s not about bad luck, it’s about making good choices and using common sense every time you drive – that can be the difference between life and death,” Tilyard said.
“No one sets out to have a crash, but it only takes a moment of distraction, one wrong choice or maybe travelling too fast for the conditions for everything to change.”
The campaign, now in its 12th year, runs from May 11-18 and sees landmarks across Tasmania illuminated in yellow to commemorate the lives lost to road trauma.
RACT CEO Mark Mugnaioni said every Tasmanian has a responsibility to prevent further tragedy.
“This week highlights the profound impact of road trauma on individuals, families and communities – and reinforces that we all have a part to play in preventing it,” Mugnaioni said.
“We’re asking Tasmanians to commit to safer driving by avoiding distractions, sticking to speed limits, never driving impaired or tired, and always wearing a seatbelt.”
The Tasmanian Transport Association is highlighting dangers faced by truck drivers, with Executive Officer Michelle Harwood noting their elevated position gives them a concerning view of driver behaviour.
“Drivers texting, eating or otherwise distracted are a common sight and it’s putting everyone at risk,” Harwood said.
Transport Minister Eric Abetz said the government has invested more than $75 million in road safety initiatives over the past five years.
“There is always more we can do as a Government, but we cannot do everything which is exactly why road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
