A 15-year-old boy from Devonport died in a tragic accident on New Year’s Eve after his e-bike crashed into a pole on Don Heads Road in Tasmania’s north-west. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM, marking a devastating end to the year. Just that same morning, a 72-year-old man went off the road on his motorcycle and crashed into a culvert pipe outside Campbell Town. This tragic accident came just a day after the other fatality was reported.
The combined tragedies have been followed by widespread concerns about road safety in Tasmania. Today, the state’s end of year road death toll for 2025 reached 44 deaths. This is the highest total since 2022, which had 50 deaths. Inspector Nick Clark described the loss of the young boy as particularly heartbreaking, emphasizing, “These events are tragic, especially for the family and friends.”
E-bike Incident Details
The crash that killed this 15-year-old boy has led to a great deal of re-focus on e-bike related regulations. According to police reports, a helmet disconnected from his motorcycle was discovered at the scene. It is not known whether the child was wearing it when the accident occurred. Inspector Clark reminded Tasmanians that you need to be 16 years or older to ride an e-bike legally. Without parental guidance, safe riding practices aren’t guaranteed, and he emphasized that fact. He stated, “Are your children doing the right thing? Are you giving your child the right advice? Are they riding safely?”
In the wake of this tragedy, Inspector Clark is calling on parents to take action. He doesn’t just want them to passively hope their kids learn bike safety on their own. He cautioned that oversight and training are key factors to avoiding tragedies like this going forward.
Motorcycle Fatality Investigation
The earlier motorcycle accident claimed the life of a 72-year-old man at approximately 3:30 PM on New Year’s Eve. It is alleged that the driver unlicensed motorcycle lost control, crossed over the Macquarie road and crashed into a culvert, causing fatal injuries instant. Fortunately, police do not consider speed, alcohol, or drugs factors in this incident.
In an effort to address the increase, Inspector Clark and MaineDOT were stunned to see a 2025 spike in motorcyclist deaths. Consider that Tasmania’s entire state road system saw just 12 fatalities last year. He stressed that all roadway users—drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike—have a responsibility to be alert.
“Unfortunately, 12 motorcyclists died on Tasmania’s roads last year.” – Inspector Nick Clark
A Call for Vigilance
In light of these unfortunate incidents, Tasmania police have called on e-bike riders to exercise caution. They urge motorcyclists to put safety first by obeying the law. Inspector Clark emphasized the importance of parents and riders themselves taking safety precautions in order to stay safe on the road.
As Tasmania reflects on these heartbreaking incidents, the community is reminded of the importance of vigilance and responsibility in ensuring that roads are safe for everyone.
