Tasmania’s emergency services have banded together as part of a new campaign calling on Tasmanians to take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe on our roads.

The social media campaign includes five short videos featuring first responders from Tasmania Police, Tasmania Fire Service, State Emergency Service and Ambulance Tasmania.

“As emergency service workers it’s our job to keep people safe, but when it comes to road safety, we can’t do it alone,” said Tasmania Police acting Deputy Commissioner, Jonathan Higgins.

“These ads focus on the ‘fatal five’ contributing factors to fatalities and serious injuries on our roads; speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue – and something we’re seeing more and more, which is inattention and distraction.”

In the 2019-20 financial year, Tasmania Police proceeded against almost 56,000 people for traffic offences.

“So far this year we’ve seen more fatalities and serious injuries on our roads than at the same time last year, despite having had far less traffic on our roads due to COVID-19,” said Deputy Commissioner Higgins.

“I’m urging all motorists to play their part and help us keep themselves and others safe.

“There are fines for disobeying the road rules, but the real penalty could be killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else.”

Crashes are distressing for everyone involved and they have a life-long impact for so many, including first responders.

“On behalf of all first responders, I urge everyone to watch these new videos and think of the devastating consequences that can occur if they make the wrong choice on our roads and crash,” said firefighter Tim Bowden.

“As first responders we see first-hand the trauma, distress and life-long impacts crashes have on so many.

“Every death or serious injury on our roads is one too many.

“We urge all motorists to make the right choices every time they travel on our roads to prevent crashes and protect themselves and others from death and serious injury.

“Please help us to help keep you safe. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.

The road safety videos can be viewed at: https://www.police.tas.gov.au/emergency-services-road-safety-videos/