Media release – Road Safety Advisory Council, 21 December 2023
We’re looking out for you these holidays
Getting home safely is the focus of a new road safety campaign which is urging all drivers to think about their driving behaviour this holiday period.
With the tagline ‘We’re looking out for you these holidays’, the campaign highlights the fact that if you break the rules, being caught is one of the best possible outcomes as it identifies a risky behaviour that could otherwise end up resulting in a catastrophic crash.
The campaign is an initiative under the Tasmanian government’s current Towards Zero Action Plan 2020-2024, encouraging safer road use and promoting safe behaviours on our roads. It will be seen and heard on TV, radio and digital media from today.
“The holidays are always a busy period for our emergency services,” said the Chair of the Road Safety Advisory Council, Scott Tilyard.
“While police are looking out for risk taking and illegal behaviours, they want nothing more than for everyone to safely reach their intended destination,” said Mr Tilyard.
Tasmania was fatality free last Christmas period and three people were seriously injured.
The road toll for the year currently stands at 32, compared to 51 for the same time last year, and 293 people have been seriously injured on Tasmanian roads this year.
“While fatalities are down from last year, serious injuries are up and are above the five-year average, which is of concern and unacceptable.
“Our short-term target is to reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on Tasmanian’s roads each year to fewer than 200 by 2026, but we are not on track to achieve this currently. We need members of the community to step up and take responsibility– everyone has a part to play in road safety.”
This holiday season, drivers are being urged to think about the Fatal Five, even before they get behind the wheel – speeding, inattention, seatbelts, fatigue and drug or drink driving.
“With more traffic on the road at this time of year it’s easy to become frustrated which can in turn lead to bad decisions being made.
“Making the right decisions before you get on the road and while you’re on the road can be the difference between life and death.”
The new campaign can be viewed on the RSAC website here https://rsac.tas.gov.au/were-
Media release – Tasmania Police, 21 December 2023
With holidays just around the corner, so are police
Tasmania Police’s annual festive season road safety effort, Operation Safe Arrival, begins tomorrow across the state.
Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said a new Road Safety Advisory Council (RSAC) advertising campaign will support this year’s Operation.
“The new campaign features real Tasmania Police officers and highlights the enforcement efforts that will be in place throughout the holiday period,” he said.
“As always, police will be targeting dangerous behaviours like speeding, mobile phone use, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
“We’ll have high-visibility and covert patrols on our highways and main roads, and we’ll be covering other routes, back streets, and rural areas.”
“If you aren’t watching your speed – police will be.”
“When you’re distracted from the road – police won’t be.”
“There will be random alcohol and drug testing operations, and speed detection devices in use across the state.”
Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said the new campaign tagline, ‘We’ll be looking out for you these holidays’ should serve as a warning.
“Traffic offenders should be aware that police will be ‘looking out’ for you while we’re on patrol across the state,” he said.
“Importantly, it’s also a caring reminder that these enforcement efforts are about protecting our community and that our officers are ‘looking out’ for the safety of all road users.”
“You can help us keep everyone safe these holidays by obeying the road rules, making sure your loved ones do too, and letting police know if you see something dangerous on our roads.”
