Today marks the beginning of Operation Crossroads for the Christmas/New Year period. The Christmas Holiday Road Toll reporting period is being accessed from 00:01 hours on Monday 23rd December till 23:59 hours on Friday 3 January 2014.

Police would like to remind drivers that from experience, a majority of the crashes requiring hospitalisation during the holiday period will occur tomorrow, accounting for 13% of all serious crashes during the reporting period. Tasmania Police also expect to see an increase in the number of crashes involving interstate/overseas drivers as well as an increase in crashes in the higher speed zones (90-110 km/h).  There is expected to be a doubling in the number of crashes in which drivers/passengers are not wearing seat belts and an increase whereby alcohol or drugs play a factor in the crash.

Enforcement activities for police tomorrow will focus around the fatal five; speed, seatbelts, alcohol and drugs, distraction and fatigue, with particular attention towards failing to give way.

Many members of the public will be using our roads to visit family and friends over the next few days, please take your time, drive to the conditions and make it a safe journey for everyone.