HOPES of Tasmania's road toll continuing to fall, after a record low number of deaths last year, have been dashed.
A fatal crash near Penguin yesterday morning pushed the number of fatalities recorded so far this year to 25.
And with 10 weeks of the year remaining, authorities fear more lives will be lost before New Year's Day.
Last year's road toll of 24 was the lowest recorded in Tasmania.
It was a significant improvement on the 130 deaths posted in 1971 and the 63 fatalities in 2009.
Yesterday's fatal crash happened at 7.40am on the Bass Highway near Sulphur Creek.
A 40-year-old woman from Devonport died when her car veered across the highway.
The vehicle hit and mounted the median strip fence, rolled and came to rest in a cattle culvert.
The out-of-control vehicle narrowly missed cars travelling east on the highway.
Alcohol, drugs and speed are not believed to be contributing factors in the crash.
The woman's death follows the loss of six lives in September, including three in a single mini-bus crash on the Bass Highway at Elizabeth Town.
A Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources spokesman said the recent spate of fatalities were not indicative of a trend.
"While every death or serious injury is tragic, this year's low road toll is excellent by historical standards," the spokesman said yesterday.
But authorities have warned that there was still no room for complacency on our roads.
"Because the number of fatalities in Tasmania is quite low, they are subject to volatility," the spokesman said.
Since 2005, the number of serious injuries and deaths on Tasmania's roads have fallen by 31 per cent.
"We are on the right track but there is more to do," the DIER spokesman said.
Safer roads, safer vehicles and safer drivers have all contributed to the decline, authorities say.
Four pedestrians have been killed on Tasmania's roads this year and DIER said pedestrians also needed to be responsible road users and take notice, wear appropriate clothing and take care when crossing roads.
Motorists also have been asked to take extra care to protect pedestrians, especially in busy, built-up areas.
A road crash fatality is defined as any person who was killed outright or died within 30 days as a result of a crash.
Deaths which occur more than 30 days after a crash are included in the serious injury (leading to death) statistics.
Fatalities on private property and public spaces such as carparks are included in the road toll.
helen.kempton@news.com.au
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