Police are urging motorists to reset their behaviours and be safe on the roads after multiple drivers were detected speeding and under the influence of alcohol and drugs across the north-west.
"Concerningly, police have intercepted a disappointing number of motorists speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs across the north-west coast over the past few days," said Acting Inspector Luke Negri.
"We know that speeding is a contributing factor to fatal and serious crashes on our roads, and it's concerning that police on the north-west detected two excessive speeders on Saturday, 51 drivers speeding on Boxing Day, and a further 96 drivers speeding on Saturday and Sunday."
- On Saturday, a 35-year-old man was detected travelling at 109km/h in a 50km/h zone on Peters Street at Tullah; exceeding the speed limit by 59km/h. He was issued a fine of $1,178.75, six demerit points, and a four-month licence disqualification.
- On Saturday, a 19-year-old man was detected travelling at 150km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Ridgley Highway at Ridgley; exceeding the speed limit by 50km/h. He was also not displaying his P-plates as required. He received fines totalling $1,281.00, eight demerit points, and a four month disqualification.
"We have seen a devastating number of deaths on our roads this year, and it's confronting but we need to be clear to any motorist considering speeding – a fast drive may be your last drive," said Acting Inspector Negri.
"As Operation Safe Arrival continues, we need motorists to remember that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs puts you at risk of crashing and killing or injuring yourself or someone else."
"It's concerning that police across the north west detected five motorists driving with illicit drugs present in their systems, and several drivers under the influence of alcohol including two high range detections."
- a 37-year-old man from Latrobe returned a reading of .207; more than four times the legal limit. He was issued an immediate 12-month disqualification.
- a 51-year-old woman from Ridgley returned a reading of.245; nearly more than five times the legal limit. She was issued an immediate 12-month disqualification.
"Police will continue to target dangerous driving behaviours that contribute to serious and fatal crashes, and we need motorists to help us by being safe on the roads."
"Drink and drug driving, and speeding is a conscious choice and one that significantly increases the risk of serious injury or death."
"Drivers are urged to slow down, obey speed limits, and help keep Tasmanian roads safe for everyone."
Anyone with information about dangerous driving is urged to contact police on 131 444, or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
