Tasmania Police are raising the alarm over dangerous driving by provisional licence holders after a string of high-range speeding offences on the state’s roads.
A 17-year-old P1 driver was clocked doing 134km/h in an 80km/h zone on the East Derwent Highway on Friday night, 54km/h above the limit.
The driver was stopped by Southern Road Policing Services officers and tested for alcohol and drugs.
They face a $1,225 fine, six demerit points and a four-month driving ban.
The vehicle, registered to a family member, will be clamped for 28 days.
Inspector Vanessa Castle of Southern Road Policing Services said some of the driving police had witnessed was alarming.
“Travelling at this speed dramatically reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards and significantly increases the risk of serious injury or death if a crash occurs,” she said.
“Quite frankly, it is terrifying to think that some young drivers are driving at those high-range speeds. A crash at that speed will have tragic consequences.”
The incident is one of several recent cases involving provisional drivers.
A 20-year-old man was caught hooning on Paterson Street in Launceston while his P1 licence was suspended.
A 19-year-old P1 driver who had held his licence for just three days was detected doing 120km/h in an 80km/h zone at Geilston Bay.
Another provisional driver was caught 36km/h over the limit at Buckland, while a 27-year-old was clocked at 136km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Tasman Highway.
Castle urged drivers, passengers and parents alike to take responsibility.
“Everyone has a part to play in road safety. Not just the drivers, but also passengers who can tell a driver to slow down and the parents and mentors who can help educate our young drivers about the risks of driving at excess speeds,” she said.
Police said high-visibility patrols would continue across Tasmania.
Anyone who witnesses dangerous driving can report it on 131 444 or triple zero in an emergency.
