RAC is urging caution on our roads ahead of the long weekend and school holidays, with regional road deaths reaching their highest level in five years.
RAC Communications Manager Rhys Heron said an unacceptable number of people continue to lose their lives on our regional roads.
“It’s fantastic to see so many Western Australians continuing to explore our wonderful State, with the South West and Great Southern especially popular this time of the year,” Mr Heron said.
“However, with more people travelling to our regional areas, we’ve also sadly seen an increase in fatalities — they’re nearly 30 per cent higher than at the same time last year.
“Fatigue, speeding and distraction are major factors in road trauma, so we urge drivers to be patient, stick to the speed limit, take regular breaks and keep devices out of reach.
“We don’t want to see anyone else hurt or killed on our roads.”
So far this year, 124 people have died on WA roads. 80 of those occurred in regional WA.
“This weekend marks an historic moment for WA in hosting our first AFL Grand Final, meaning many people will be out celebrating,” Mr Heron said.
“Alcohol is a major killer on our roads so we urge everyone to plan ahead and find a safe way to get home without driving.”
Double demerit penalties are now in place until Monday, 27 September inclusive.
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Media contact: Caitlin Barr, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
