One year on from the WA Government’s Road Safety Roundtable, convened in response to what was the state’s worst level of fatalities in a decade, the situation has only worsened, with even more people being killed on WA roads this year.
So far this year, the state has recorded 128 road deaths, compared to 122 at the same time last year. The figures come 12 months after the Premier held an emergency roundtable to discuss options to address the growing road trauma crisis.
RAC General Manager External Relations Will Golsby said that while some important initiatives had progressed, broader change was needed.
“Funding for the Regional Road Safety Programs, the introduction of P-plate passenger restrictions, and a review of the graduated licensing system are all good recent steps which RAC welcomed – but we need to see more action to address road trauma,” Mr Golsby said.
“WA once had one of the best road safety records in the country, however since 2006, and under successive governments, we have consistently had one of the worst.”
“For over a decade the warning signs have been flashing, with two Auditor General reports calling for improvements to road safety governance in WA.
“Better road safety governance could mean more accountability within government agencies, performance measures for senior officials with road safety responsibilities, and improved data sharing between agencies.
“With road fatalities heading in the wrong direction, it is also crucial the $100 million that goes into the Road Trauma Trust Account each year is spent on the right priorities.
“One such priority the WA Government could look at is safer speed limits across the state. The Safer Speeds Trial currently being delivered by RAC in partnership with the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, with support from Main Roads, provides a blueprint for the way forward."
Road user behaviour has also remained a major issue over many years, highlighted by the 2022 trial of road safety cameras in WA, which caught 265,000 drivers speeding, 66,000 on their phones, and 11,400 not wearing a seatbelt properly.
“The one thing we can take control of is our own actions. Every West Australian can make an immediate difference by slowing down, ditching distractions, and not driving when tired or under the influence,” Mr Golsby said.
ENDS
Media contact: RAC Media, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
