Tasmanian senator calls for action as state posts 70 per cent increase in road deaths

As Australia passes the halfway mark in its first lockdown-free year since 2019, the nation's road toll is slowly creeping back up beyond its previous levels.

States such as Queensland and Tasmania have so far recorded more deaths on roads this year than in 2021, with the latter posting 52 fatalities in the 12 months until May 31 – a jump of 21 over the year prior and more than its most recent peak of 35 deaths in 2018.

Last year, the national road toll rose from 1110 to 1126, with all states bar New South Wales, Tasmania and the Northern Territory reporting an increase over the heavily-locked down 2020.

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Tasmania is known for its beautiful driving roads but the state is facing a higher road toll than recent years

With Tasmania facing an increase of more than 70 per cent compared to 2021, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Senator Carol Brown has called for road users to do more to keep themselves and others safe.

"Before we put this down to the increasing number of drivers on our roads after COVID-19 lockdowns – our road toll was 30 in 2019 and 35 in 2018," she said in an opinion piece for The Examiner.

"But as we do emerge from lockdowns and home-based work, and particularly with school holidays starting across the country, it's an important time to remind ourselves of the basics that keep us safe on the roads.

"Speed limits are set after careful consideration of the environment and the vehicles that will be using the road. Our beautiful Tasmanian wildlife can also stray onto our roads at any time creating additional risk, so it is vitally important we stick to the speed limit.

"Mobile phones, our stunning scenery and even conversations with friends can distract you from driving. A moment's inattention can have dreadful consequences so please keep your eyes, and mind, on the road.

"It is great that more Tasmanians are getting out and seeing our beautiful state, but make sure you are properly rested before every trip. Driving while tired can be the same as driving after a few drinks; your reaction times are slower, which affects your ability to handle unexpected incidents."

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Senator Brown also reaffirmed the Federal Government's 'Vision Zero' target of no deaths or serious injuries on Australia's roads by 2050, doing so by implementing the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030.

"The Albanese Government is working to reduce the road toll Australia-wide, engaging closely with state, territory and local governments, as well as other stakeholders," she added.

"We are also supporting a range of projects that are examining and remediating the contributors to road accidents; from safety awareness and innovation activities, to upgrading driver reviver sites and providing over $3 billion for the fast roll-out of lifesaving treatments on rural and regional roads, as well as greater protection for vulnerable users in urban areas.

"No deaths on Australian roads by 2050 is the Albanese Government's Vision Zero, but we all need to play our part. Drive so others survive."

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The Government's Vision Zero target was previously criticised by the Australian Automobile Association last year, as Managing Director Michael Bradley claimed an increase in the number of road fatalities was a reflection on the "chaotic national approach to road safety".

A report released by the Joint Select Committee on Road Safety earlier this year found rural roads to be a major factor behind Australia's rising toll, with the National Rural Health Alliance saying: "Upgrading, sealing, and regularly maintaining the quality of roads will play a significant role in reducing people’s risk of injury."