Police are urging all motorists to remember the importance of safe vehicles and driving behaviours, as a multi-agency traffic operation was held in the Orford area today.

“With a devastatingly high number of fatalities on Tasmanian roads this year, police are urging all motorists to do the right thing to prevent crashes,” said Acting Inspector Jason Klug.

A multi-agency traffic operation involving Tasmania Police, Transport Inspectors, National Heavy Vehicle Regulators, and Department of Natural Resources and Environment Enforcement Officers, held at Orford today focused on vehicle compliance and driver license checks.

“A multi-agency traffic operation in the Orford area today was aimed at improving driver behaviours and detecting and removing unsafe motorists and vehicles from the roads,” said Acting Inspector Klug.

“Traffic enforcement activities undertaken at the operation included vehicle compliance checks, vehicle defect checks, licence checks, oral fluid testing and random breath tests – all aimed at ensuring every vehicle and driver on our roads are safe.”

During the traffic operation, police conducted over 100 random breath tests and 20 drug tests; and issued 13 defect notices.

“Police were encouraged by the high level of motorists intercepted at the traffic operation today that were complying with the road rules,” said Acting Inspector Klug.

“With Easter traditionally being a time when there are more vehicles travelling on the roads, I urge all motorists to think about their driving behaviours and ensure their vehicles are safe and roadworthy.”

All motorists are urged to remember the fatal five contributors to fatal and serious injury crashes:

• Obey the speed limit – it’s there for a reason.
• Pay attention – one moment of distraction is all it takes to cause a crash.
• Rest if you’re tired – arriving late is better than not arriving at all.
• Buckle up every person in the vehicle – seatbelts save lives.
• Never drive after drinking or taking drugs – you’ll be putting more than your life on the line.