Western Australia is on track to record its worst level of road deaths in almost two decades, prompting a plea from RAC for urgent change in driver attitudes, and more focus on road safety across our state.
The first half of 2026 has seen more than 110 people killed on WA roads, with the State heading toward more than 200 annual road fatalities for the first time since 2008.
RAC Head of Communications Rhys Heron said road deaths had been at crisis levels for consecutive years now.
“If we keep going the way we’re going, we will likely see more than 200 people killed on our roads for the first time in 18 years,” Mr Heron said.
“We need to put an end to the complacency which has caused road fatalities to start rising again - every life lost is an unacceptable, preventable tragedy.”
Last year, 184 people didn’t return home to their loved ones, which followed 188 in 2024. Many more have been seriously injured.
“WA was once celebrated as a national leader in road safety, however for the past two decades, under successive governments, we have consistently been one of the worst,” Mr Heron said.
“WA's current road deaths per capita are the highest of any state in the nation.”
“These are real people whose lives have been cut short, and their families and loved ones left to deal with the devastating consequences.”
“It’s crucial road-users slow down, ditch the distractions and focus on arriving safely, every journey. Never drive tired or intoxicated and always make sure everyone on board is wearing a seatbelt.”
“Everyone in our community needs to play their part.”
RAC has welcomed significant government investment in road safety campaigns, enforcement and infrastructure over recent years, however further action is needed to get WA back on track and meeting the targets of state and national road safety strategies.
“This includes securing Commonwealth funding for the full delivery of the Regional Road Safety Program on local roads,” Mr Heron said.
“We also need to see an increased focus on Perth intersections, where one in two serious crashes occur, and funding provided to local governments and communities to support safer speeds.”
“At a time when the Road Trauma Trust Account is receiving record levels of revenue, it is concerning that road deaths continue to rise.”