The Tasmanian Government has been seeking community input on ideas to help prevent road deaths and trauma though a series of community forums held across the state this week.
Despite a number of policy interventions and innovations over recent years, 36 people have died on Tasmanian roads so far in 2022. Tragically, this trajectory is expected to make this year the state’s worst for road deaths in over a decade.
Tasmania’s Road Safety Advisory Council (RSAC) Chair Scott Tilyard has pointed to dangerous and reckless driver behaviour as being a significant factor in the rising road toll, saying:
“It seems that some people just don’t get it and continue to engage in risky driving behaviour like speeding, both above the speed limit and driving too fast for the conditions, as well as driving after drinking or using drugs.”
Over the past week, community forums have been held in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie to allow members of the public to put forward their ideas on what more can be done to improve driver behaviour.
The feedback provided though the forums will be used as part of the mid-term review of the Towards Zero—Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy 2017-2026 and Towards Zero Action Plan 2020-2024.
Those who have not been able to attend the forums are also invited to provide their suggestions via email to RSAC@stategrowth.tas.gov.au