200th road death - road safety failing in WA: RAC

01 January 2009

The RAC says the 200th death on Western Australian roads for 2008 is a grim reminder of the dangers facing motorists over the holiday period.

The 200th fatality was recorded when a motorcyclist lost control of his bike late yesterday afternoon in Roleystone and went under the front of a van.

RAC Head of Member Advocacy Matt Brown says the 200th death is another reminder that Western Australia is failing the road safety challenge.

“There is no consolation in knowing that our 2008 road toll is down from last year’s horror toll of 235,” Mr Brown said.

“On a per capita basis, Western Australian record on road fatalities remains the worst of any State.

“Two hundred road deaths is an appalling human loss which has inflicted great suffering on family members and our communities.

“But that is only part of the picture. Hundreds more have been seriously injured in road accidents and the on-going cost to the economy and to the community is enormous.

“The 200th road death should be ringing alarm bells with the new State government as it considers the comprehensive Towards Zero road safety strategy.

“Reducing our road toll is neither easy nor inexpensive. The new government needs to consider where road safety sits in its order of priorities.

“Western Australia cannot afford another 200-plus road toll in 2009.”

Mr Brown said the 200th road death should also serve as a warning to holiday motorists to slow down, take rest breaks and drive more cautiously over the holiday period.

“No-one wants to lose a loved one over the Christmas period,” Mr Brown said.

“It’s really up to all road users to stick to the speed limit, don’t drink if you’re going to be driving and don’t continue driving if you’re tired or fatigued.

“The police are out there with a strong presence doing their job and will be enforcing double demerit point penalties. But they can only do so much.

“Road safety is a challenge and a responsibility for all of the community and motorists have to play their part.” 

Download the release