The public are advised that rain will persist today in most parts of the state particularly in the southern, central and eastern districts. Driving conditions within the State continue to require the travelling public to take extra care due to the significant rain fall received, reduced visibility and the number of roads still subject to water inundation.

“These are conditions and circumstances when driving conditions will require extra care by all motorists and the most important safety action to be taken is to slow down,” said Inspector Mark Beech-Jones (State Traffic Coordinator) of Tasmania Police. 

Inspector Beech-Jones recommended a number of other safety actions that can be taken by motorists whilst driving in adverse weather conditions:

• Be alert at all times, pay attention to road warning signs that display hazardous conditions
• Drive with headlights or park lights on at times of poor visibility
• Ensure your windscreen is clean and is demisted, and wiper blades are in good condition
• Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and the tyres are in good condition and are correctly inflated, and
• And leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.

Pedestrians are reminded that when crossing the road they should use the approved crossings at traffic lights, walkways and or designed pedestrian crossings.  When the visibility is poor pedestrians are reminded to wear bright colour clothing.

“Pedestrians and cyclists can be particularly hard to see, and they are the most vulnerable of all road users because they have no protection if hit by a vehicle” said Inspector Beech-Jones.

For current information relating to up-to-date road closures members of the public are urged to go to the Community Alert link on the Tasmania Police website.