While only representing 1.7 per cent of the state's population, Circular Head has had 14 per cent of fatal crashes in Tasmania between February 2009 and January 2010, which is eight times the state average.

"Statistics for Circular Head are alarming high," Mayor Quilliam said.

"When you live in a small community the effect of these tragedies has far reaching impacts.

"We are renowned for being a generous, caring, can do community so let's take up the challenge and reduce the fatalities and serious injury in Circular Head" he said.

The alarming statistics were tabled at a recent Community Road Safety Partnership (CRSP) meeting where Sgt Danny Russell from Burnie Police attended and raised his concerns regarding fatalities and serious injury crashes in the area.

The meeting was also attended by a local doctor, representatives from Smithton Police, Rural Health Tasmania, Circular Head Council and the CRSP committee.

From this meeting it was resolved that an ongoing campaign be launched highlighting the ongoing effects of road trauma on the community and promoting strategies that can be applied.

Mayor Quilliam said people don't appear to be listening to the messages relating to drink driving, seat belts, speed and inattention, so it's time we all take a stand and are challenging the community to improve these statistics by looking out for one another.

"We're calling on all Tasmanian's and especially those in the Circular Head region to Look Out for Your Mates and don't let them drive when they have been drinking, make sure they are being responsible and attentive as well as ensuring they drive to the conditions and buckle up," Mayor Quilliam said.

"Whether we have held a drivers licence for 40years or four months we all are responsible not only for ourselves but each other.

"There is an enormous impact fatalities have on the families and friends of victims, not to mention the people who attend these crashes; the emergency service volunteers, the ambulance officers and medical staff.

"I also believe this challenge should be statewide - let's reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries that are sustained in motor vehicles, motorcycles and all terrain vehicle crashes in Tasmania."

For further information contact Mayor Daryl Quilliam 0408 543 927

Authorised for general media distribution by Greg Winton, General Manager, Circular Head Council on April 1, 2010.