Holidaymakers are being urged to take extra care on our roads, with Western Australia recording its highest number of regional road deaths in three years just as the Christmas holidays begin.
According to the Road Safety Commission, 95 people have lost their lives on WA’s regional roads this year — the highest number of fatalities up to this day since 2018.
RAC General Manager External Relations Will Golsby said it’s important we remember the true cost of road trauma.
“There are far too many families heading into the Christmas break without their loved ones this year as deaths continue to occur on our regional roads at an alarming rate,” Mr Golsby said.
“Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but for many it will be a stark and devastating reminder of their loved ones who are no longer here because of road trauma.
“The festive season is always a high-risk time on our roads, but particularly with more people travelling across regional WA than ever before.
“It’s critical we don’t lose sight of the risks we face behind the wheel so we urge everyone to slow down, ditch the distractions, take regular breaks and be patient with one another.
“Road fatalities and serious injuries are tragic, devastating and preventable — let’s all do our part to keep each other safe on the roads this festive season.”
RAC recently expanded its Safe Travels initiative to provide free training sessions for WA drivers on how to safely navigate regional roads. The 90-minute sessions address some of the challenges they may face, including how to manage the journey with road trains, caravans, wildlife and unsealed roads.
Across all of WA, 160 people have been killed on our roads this year.
Double demerit penalties come into effect on Christmas Eve and will remain in place until 10 January, 2022.
Media contact: Caitlin Barr, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
