From snow-covered mountain passes to sun-drenched coastal highways, Tasmania’s stunning landscapes can turn treacherous and deadly without warning.
That is the reality being driven home by a new road safety campaign, as the state’s road toll climbs to 27 – just shy of last year’s total of 31, with five months still to go.
The Road Safety Advisory Council’s ‘Different Day, Different Drive’ campaign uses eye-catching side-by-side images to show just how fast conditions can change.
The same winding forest road that looks safe in autumn can become a slip hazard under winter ice. Coastal causeways that deliver breathtaking views on clear days can turn perilous in fog and rain.
Chair Scott Tilyard said the message is aimed at drivers who stick to the speed limit but forget to adjust to the weather and road conditions.
“Speed limit signs display the maximum speed allowed in good driving conditions. That means dry, relatively straight roads, clear skies, good visibility and few roadside hazards,” he said.
“Because no two days are the same, every journey is different and staying alert and adjusting your driving could be the difference between a near miss and a serious crash.”
Speed is still a major factor in serious crashes across Tasmania, contributing to one in five road deaths and severe injuries.
Data shows “excessive speed for the conditions” is a factor in up to 20% of fatal and serious injury crashes.
The campaign urges drivers to pay attention to what is happening around them and not just the number on the sign.
Key tips include slowing down in bad weather, leaving more space between vehicles, using headlights in rain or fog and taking extra care on wet or icy roads.
“The campaign’s ultimate goal is to make adaptive driving second nature, helping to reduce Tasmania’s road trauma and ensure more Tasmanians arrive home safely,” Tilyard said.
