The Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Dean Winter and Inspector David Wiss of Kingston Police are urging motorists to drive to the conditions following three crashes on the Southern Outlet last Wednesday, July 17.
The crashes occurred on both the north and sound bound lanes of the Outlet in the late afternoon and early evening during wet weather, as the light was beginning to fade.
Mayor Winter warns drivers to be aware of the winter conditions such as wet and icy roads and low light levels that can affect all drivers this time of year.
These conditions can be dangerous and the Mayor wants to remind all drivers to look ahead, use headlights, indicate any turns and keep a safe gap, as slowing down is more difficult.
“We all want to get home when it’s wet and cold but let’s make sure we get home to our families safely,” said Mayor Winter.
“I personally witnessed the impact of both crashes last week and even during that journey, I was struck by some frankly idiotic displays of driving in very wet conditions.
“I don’t think it’s asking much for us all to put the health and safety of ourselves and fellow road users first,” finished Mayor Winter.
The Officer in Charge of the Kingston Division, Inspector Dave Wiss had the following comments to add after these three unfortunate incidents.
“We all know there are some bad drivers on our roads.
“The reality is that most of us think we are better drivers than what we really are and even good drivers can make mistakes.”
The reminder to be aware on the roads is timely, especially with the beginning of Term 3 for schools this week which means that drivers need to be aware of school buses, reduced speed zones and school crossings during the start and end of the school day as well as being more vigilant about children and pedestrians.
Inspector Wiss points out that all drivers need to be patient on the road and that we all need to be considerate to other road users.
“Impatience can lead to bad decision making and sometimes even worse, to aggression.
“Drive to the conditions, not just to the speed signs, let other drivers merge, use your indicators early and put your mobile phone away, you can check it when you’ve reached your destination or pull over somewhere safe.
“The results from the last financial year has been a mixed blessing.
“Whilst we have had more crashes across the Kingston and Huonville areas, thankfully we had a fatality free year.”
Inspector Wiss is hopeful for another fatality free year in 2019.
“That means no family suffers the loss of a loved one and police and other emergency service workers aren’t exposed to sights that can be remembered for a long time.”
Pictured above: Wet, icy conditions, combined with fading light to contribute to three traffic incidents on the Southern Outlet, across both north and south bound lanes on Wednesday, July 17.
