Media release – Helen Polley, Labor Senator for Tasmania, 10 April 2024
SCHOOL HOLIDAY HAZARDS
A decade of State Liberal Governments neglecting Tasmanian roads are hazardous for Tasmanian drivers and visitors alike. School holidays are fast approaching and, statistically, the Tasmanian road death toll increases during school holidays.
Over the past 5 years, an average of 10 people per year have died in car accidents on Tasmanian roads. Over the past 10 years, an average of 276 people per year have been seriously injured on Tasmanian roads.
Drivers can do their part by ensuring they are not distracted, take regular breaks when driving long distances, travel at or below the speed limit, don’t drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and drive to road conditions. Winter is coming, and our roads are set to become wet, icy, and dangerous.
We all want people to get to where they are going safely, but it takes everyone to make sure we have zero deaths on our roads. The school holidays should be a time when families can rest and relax after the term at school and prepare for the next one. It should not be a time of tragedy.
For quick reference guides on road rules for each state and territory, visit: www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Senator Helen Polley:
“Over the school holidays we ask everyone on our roads to prioritise safety.
With more children playing on and around our roads, now is the time to be more attentive and aware of your surroundings.
It’s crucial to exercise caution and responsibility behind the wheel.
Road safety affects all Australians each and every day.
Deaths on our roads are not just a statistic; they are someone’s parent, child, sibling, colleague, or cherished friend.
Don’t be reckless behind the wheel – pay attention, buckle up, do not drink and drive, do not speed, and don’t take risks on our roads. It just isn’t worth it.
Together, we can keep our roads safe for everyone, especially our children.”
