51 Motorists Caught Speeding in Tasmanian Region on Boxing Day
Tasmania's Western District saw a staggering 51 motorists caught speeding on Boxing Day, a holiday period that typically sees increased traffic. This alarming statistic has left police deeply concerned and disappointed, highlighting a persistent issue on the roads.
The Tasmanian Police's Taskforce Scelus played a crucial role in these detections, employing covert operations as part of Operation Safe Arrival. The focus was on identifying excessive speeding, with two drivers caught traveling at astonishing speeds exceeding posted limits by more than 30km/h.
Acting Inspector Luke Negri emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, 'Speeding remains one of the most significant contributors to serious injury and fatal crashes. Driving at these speeds removes any margin for error.'
One driver was fined $615 and received five demerit points for traveling at 125km/h in a 90km/h zone at Preservation Bay, Sulphur Creek. Another incident involved a 24-year-old driver detected at 113km/h in a 70km/h zone on the Bass Highway at Devonport, resulting in an $871 fine and six demerit points.
These speeding incidents are part of the 'Fatal Five' behaviors that police actively target, including distraction and inattention, drink and drug driving, fatigue, and failing to wear a seatbelt. Inspector Negri stressed, 'These behaviors continue to be a focus for Tasmania Police because they are consistently linked to serious crashes and loss of life.'
To combat this issue, police will continue highly visible and targeted road safety operations throughout the Christmas and New Year period as part of Operation Safe Arrival. Negri urged drivers, 'A moment of impatience or poor decision-making can have lifelong consequences.'
The public is encouraged to play a role in road safety by reporting dangerous driving to the police on 131 444 or triple zero (000) in emergencies. This collaborative effort is crucial in reducing speeding-related incidents and ensuring the safety of all road users.
