Despite some high-speeds and a few highly intoxicated drivers, police say overall drivers around the region were well-behaved over the holiday period.
Tasman acting inspector acting road policing manager, Hamish Chapman, says that between 21 December and 7 January, one person was caught driving with a breath alcohol limit more than five times the legal limit.
Hamish says the driver blew a reading of 1342mg/l of breath. The legal limit is 250. Another 10 were found to be driving over the legal limit.
“Generally, across the board, driver behaviour over Christmas and New Year has been very good, but as always, the minority are letting the majority down which then causes risk,” he says.
Hamish says police ran a number of operations over the holiday period targeting alcohol, use of seatbelts and cellphone use.
“Both Bay Dreams and UB40 festivals were really good, we didn’t get any drink drivers which is a fantastic result, we’re really proud of the drivers.”
More than 4000 drivers were breath tested over the 18-day period.
Hamish says they also ran an operation near Murchison targeting speeding drivers which saw many heading away on holiday and those returning home.
“We issued a number of tickets for speeding with one or two high speeds being 138kmh and 133kmh in a 100kmh zone and one driving 90kmh in a 50kmh zone.
He says that person would’ve instantly lost their licence for 28 days and had their vehicle impounded.
“If things happen at that speed there’s no recovery and their reaction time is drastically reduced for both them and other road users.”
Hamish says police were also disappointed in the number of people on cellphones.
Reasons for using a cellphone while driving ranged from using Google maps, ‘my mum called me’, changing music on Spotify or having to send a text.
“The amount of drivers using Google maps while driving while they had a passenger seat was astounding,” Hamish says. “When they were asked why the passenger wasn’t doing it, it was like a lightbulb moment.
“At the end of the day they’re driving a motor vehicle and using a device. That part was really disappointing.”
Hamish says, while there were no fatalities in the region during the holiday period, there was a serious crash in Appleby that left the rider with serious injuries.
“What I can say on that is make sure you’re wearing a full-faced helmet.”
Hamish wanted to issue a final safety warning to drivers who are towing.
“Make sure you check the vehicle and tow bar is rated for the load it’s towing. If you’re towing a heavy load and your vehicle can’t stop….”
He says those towing boats in particular have caused some issues, but cautions everyone to check the towing weight and the rating for both the vehicle and tow ball for both braked and unbraked trailers.
“Finally, there are still a lot of people on holiday, Tasman is an attractive region to come to. Plan your journey and have a decent rest.
“You want to get there and enjoy your holiday. Be alert to other road users,” Hamish says.
