Audi SUV driving along coastal road

Putting road safety in the spotlight

Tasmania is one of the worst performing states when it comes to road trauma, but this is something we can all help reduce.

Tasmania failed to meet National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) targets at the end of 2020. In 2011, 24 people lost their lives on our roads, while 272 were seriously injured. In 2020 not much changed with 36 people killed and 284 seriously injured.

In fact, as of December, Tasmania had the worst road safety record of any state, with 6.6 deaths per 100,000 population. This is far higher than the best-performing state, Victoria, which has 3.17 deaths per 100,000. If we could match them, we could save 19 lives a year.

However, 2021 is not tracking well, with 16 fatalities and 130 serious injuries on Tasmanian roads as of the end of June.

To improve these trends, we want to see better roads built through proper planning, funding and a skilled workforce. We also want increased turnover of safer vehicles, more research and data into crashes, as well as the consideration of national and global best practice.

However, we also need to look at our own attitudes as road users.

Driver behaviour is a key factor in a number of crashes on our roads. Speed, distraction (mobile phones) and drink or drug driving make up nearly 80% of fatal and serious injury crashes.

This tells us that you can have the best roads and the safest cars, but at the end of the day it always comes down to our behaviour behind the wheel.

What do you know about road trauma in Tasmania?

  • Speed

    Speed is the leading cause of fatal and serious injury crashes in Tasmania, causing 29% each year. This includes both speeding or driving too fast for the road or weather conditions.

  • Distraction

    Distraction is a factor in 24% of fatal and serious injury crashes in Tasmania each year. This particularly relates to mobile phone use, as well as passengers and in-car features.

  • Drink or drug driving

    Drink or drug driving contributes to 24% of fatal and serious injury crashes in Tasmania each year. It's important to remember that everyone reacts to alcohol differently.

  • Did you know?

    Crashing at 90km/h is the equivalent to falling from a 10-storey building? Always drive to the speed limit and respect the road conditions.

  • Did you know?

    If you check your phone for two seconds while travelling at 100km/h, you'll have travelled 55 metres? Try leaving your phone in the glovebox or boot when driving.

  • Did you know?

    Driving drunk or affected by drugs can impair vision, concentration, reaction and motor skills, which increases crash risk. If you're drinking, make sure you have another way to get home.