Tasmania’s road toll rates second-worst in Australia as deaths spike

Carnage unfolded on Tasmanian roads during the first three months of 2020, with 15 deaths, and the state’s road toll has spiked by 23 per cent compared to last year.

TASMANIA’s road toll has jumped an alarming 23 per cent in the 12 months to March 31 compared to the same time last year.

The horror statistics were revealed in a report that also showed the state had the second-highest road death rate in Australia per population.

Thirty-seven people died on Tasmanian roads in the 12 months to March 2020 compared to 30 the year before, the National Road Safety Strategy quarterly report showed.

Tasmania’s road deaths per 100,000 now stand at 6.91, second only to the Northern Territory and well above the national figure of 4.53.

The RACT has warned motorists to take extra care as COVID-19 restrictions are eased, given the “horror start to the year on our roads”.

“The first three months of 2020 were terrible on our roads, with 15 deaths and 77 serious

injuries,” membership and community manager Stacey Pennicott said.

Stacey Pennicott. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

She said while the April road toll had eased, that was simply because of the “forced change” from COVID-19 restrictions leading to fewer people out driving.

Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said Tasmania’s community needed to work together to reduce deaths and serious injuries.

He said the Government was working on a road infrastructure program to improve safety and recently launched campaigns about mobile phone use and observing 40km/h limits in school zones.