Motorcycle safety is the focus of a newly updated enforcement campaign targeting Tasmanian motorists to do the right thing on the roads this festive season.

The Road Safety Advisory Council’s newly updated campaign, We’ve Been Everywhere, is aimed at encouraging safe road use by all road users – including motorcyclists – promoting the high possibility of being caught if driving unsafely.

“We want everyone to get home safely and to ensure that, we have to make sure everyone uses the roads safely,” Assistant Commissioner Richard Cowling said.

“Eight of the fatalities so far this year have involved motorcyclists. People need to take care and ride responsibly on our roads.

“Riders need to protect themselves and other road users by riding responsibly, ensuring they’re licensed and their motorbike is registered and roadworthy, and by wearing appropriate safety gear. As a rider, it’s your responsibility to ensure your own safety.

“We’re also asking other motorists to be mindful of motorcycles on the road as riders are vulnerable road users.”

The campaign features a television commercial that will be shown on the Tasmania Police Facebook page and YouTube, online and radio advertising, as well as targeted variable message signs. It’s used during Operation Crossroads at Christmas and Easter, as well as long weekends.

Police will be out in numbers as part of Operation Crossroads to enforce and encourage safe driving behaviour in what is traditionally a high crash period.

Last Christmas period there were zero fatalities and 7 serious injuries.

To help ensure a safe Christmas and New Year for Tasmania’s road users, police will be conducting Operation Crossroads from December 21 – January 1 which focuses on the ‘Fatal Five’ contributors to road deaths:

• Speed
• Seatbelts
• Alcohol and drugs
• Distraction
• Fatigue

As part of the operation police will be conducting random breath tests and speed enforcement operations at various locations all around the State.

“Police will be patrolling alternative routes out of towns and cities, targeting the back streets, rural roads and entertainment districts,” Assistant Commissioner Cowling said.

“We want people to buckle up, watch their speed, stay under the alcohol limit, pay attention to the road and rest if they’re tired.

“And remember that you could still be over the limit even if you’ve had a few hours’ sleep.  Picking up your car too early in the day could mean you’re still affected by alcohol.

“Don’t ruin your Christmas/New Year break with a decision to drive when you shouldn’t, or drive in a way that puts you, your family or others at risk.”