With the festive season upon us, Tasmania Police and other emergency services are preparing for one of the busiest times of the year.

In the coming weeks the number of vehicles on our roads will increase significantly as more tourists visit our state and people travel to be with their families for the Christmas period. 

“Our priority is to ensure our roads are safe for all travellers this Christmas period,” said the Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

“In 2010-11 Tasmania recorded its lowest number of fatal and serious injury crashes for 40 years. It’s a trend we all want to continue and this can be achieved by working with members of the community and other partner agencies.

“In the past five years 12 people have been killed over the Christmas – New Year period and 73 people were seriously injured.  That is too many families undergoing a very difficult Christmas,” said Mr Hine.

Tasmania Police is committed to public safety and will have additional high visibility patrols on our highways and major arterial roads to improve safety on our roads.

Police will target high risk driver behaviours that are the main causes of serious crashes; excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and not driving to the conditions.

Drivers are also reminded to wear a seatbelt, pull off the road safely to use a mobile phone and slow down when driving conditions are poor.

“The best Christmas present you can give is for you and your family to arrive safely at your destination,” said the Minister for Police and Emergency Management, David O’Byrne.

“These are not new safety messages, but they work.  We all have a responsibility to drive with care and attention for the benefit of all road users,” said Mr O’Byrne.

Road Safety Advisory Council chair John Gledhill said the Christmas/New Year period was a time of celebration and relaxation that was all too often marred by death or serious injury on our roads.

“We can have a casualty-free Christmas holiday if we speak up against speed and against drinking and driving.

“When you are driving give it 100 per cent of your concentration.   Stop and rest if you’re feeling tired when driving.  Plan how you are going to get home before you leave. If you are celebrating, plan to share a taxi home, stay the night or choose a Designated Driver (Des),” said Mr Gledhill.