Note: Final Wrap and comparison for 2015 and 1026 Crossroads Operations.

This is the final ‘wrap up’ for Operation Crossroads.  Recording of Crossroads activities officially concluded at 0600 this morning.

Overall Tasmanian motorists should be proud of the way they have conducted themselves this holiday period.  There has been a marked reduction in most traffic offences, generally down by about 20%.

Most importantly there were no fatal crashes for this period which is fantastic.

Less encouraging is the increase in seatbelt compliance infringement notices.  I would be confident in stating that no Tasmanian of driving age would be unaware of this requirement and there is simply no excuse for not wearing one.

The four serious crashes that occurred during this period were disappointing.  Each of these was completely avoidable and each one of these crashes resulted directly from one of the ‘fatal 5’ crash factors which have been advertised regularly through television and print media and policing activities over this holiday period and prior.

A further serious crash occurred yesterday at the Tasman Highway in the State’s North East.  A motorbike rider was left with serious head injuries following a collision with a turning vehicle.  The cause of this crash is under investigation. This is the second such incident involving a motorbike colliding with a turning vehicle this Easter period.

I urge all motorbike riders to ensure they stick to the speed limit and ensure they pay attention to what is occurring in front of them.  Motor bike riders do not have the protection a car offers and are much more susceptible to serious injury in these types of incidents.

Alternately the drivers of cars are urged to keep an eye out for motor cyclists and cyclists on the road.

Motorists are encouraged to keep these messages in mind for the coming months.  It is not only during holiday periods that crashes occur and these messages are just as important outside holidays as during.