Tasmania’s 2024 road toll at 32, two less than the previous year
Despite the 2024 road toll being less than last year, it is not considered a success as motorists are urged to be more responsible and safer.
Tasmania
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Tasmania’s road toll for 2024 is less than last year.
In 2024, 32 people died on our roads, compared to 34 in 2023.
Fatalities for 2024 are up 11 per cent on the average for the past five years.
Road Safety Advisory Council Chair Scott Tilyard said the 2024 toll was on par with previous years.
“For the last 12 years or so, the fatality figures have fluctuated, as have the serious crash figures,” Mr Tilyard said
“Two years ago, we had 51; so the figures do go up and down.
“Whilst they are down a little bit compared to last year, they’re still slightly above the average of the last five years.
“So we’re not seeing a significant reduction in fatal and serious crashes on our roads.”
Mr Tilyard said changing driver behaviours was key to reducing fatalities.
“There’s a lot being done to make our roads safer to improve vehicle safety and to make sure that the speed limits we set are appropriate to the roads.
“But a lot of improvements are going to have to come from the drivers themselves being more responsible and safer drivers on the road.
“So a lot of it’s going to come down to road users to ensure that their own safety and the safety of their families and all road users.”
Motorists were also warned to be vigilant during the New Year period.
“We’re still in a busy time of the year on the roads,” Mr Tilyard said.
“There’s a lot more traffic, more visitors to the state, a lot of people moving in cars, on foot and on bikes; we just need to slow down, pay attention to our driving, and be respectful to other road users.”
Transport Minister Eric Abetz said that while road deaths were slightly down, he acknowledged that “there are still 32 families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones from 2024”.
“Families are forever affected by the tragedy of road trauma. We need to understand that while road trauma is preventable, we all need to play a part,” Mr Abetz said.
He urged the public to place road safety at the forefront of their minds.
“Over the last five years and as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we have invested more than $75 million into road safety, including a $50 million road safety infrastructure program.
“We will soon announce additional funding and an extension to the existing Action Plan that guides the Towards Zero Tasmanian Road Strategy.
“Our roads are becoming safer, as are many vehicles, but we need to remember that road safety is a shared responsibility that requires commitment from all sectors of our community – from governments to individual users.
“This New Year, let’s all take the pledge to drive and travel with care to make our roads safer for everyone.”
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Originally published as Tasmania’s 2024 road toll at 32, two less than the previous year
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