Minister Reece Whitby pictured at Optus Stadium for the first Ashes Test between Australia and England in Perth on Friday.
UPDATE: The Western Australia (WA) road toll has soared to 170 fatalities this year, marking a troubling increase from 162 at the same time last year. This alarming trend continues despite advancements in vehicle technology and road safety measures, prompting urgent calls for action from officials.
The tragic death of a 43-year-old motorcyclist in Oakford on Saturday has contributed to this grim statistic, raising immediate concerns over road safety in the region. WA Police Minister Reece Whitby attributed the rising toll to “reckless” driving behaviors, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility behind the wheel.
“We are having a bad year in terms of the road toll,” Whitby stated. “We can have a policeman on every road corner, but unless drivers take responsibility and drive carefully, tragedies will continue.” The Minister insists that measures discussed at a road safety summit last September are being implemented, including increased police presence on the roads.
Despite these efforts, the Road Safety Council recently reported that deaths have surged by 19% compared to 2020. This increase is compounded by behavioral shifts following the pandemic, with more drivers on the roads than ever before—now exceeding 2.1 million.
According to Council chairwoman Katie Hodson-Thomas, the reasons behind this year’s spike in road trauma are complex. “We are witnessing longer travel distances and higher speeds among drivers,” she explained. “While infrastructure improvements continue, they often fail to keep pace with the rapid growth in population and urban expansion.”
Authorities are stressing the importance of individual accountability while enhancing law enforcement strategies. Whitby confirmed that a new road safety package is set to be rolled out “soon,” aiming for a target reduction in road deaths and serious injuries by 50% to 70% over the next decade.
This year’s data also reveals a stark gender disparity in fatalities, with men dying at a rate four times that of women. As serious injuries have decreased by 10.5% compared to the five-year average, the focus remains on addressing the underlying causes of reckless driving.
The ongoing situation demands immediate attention and a collaborative approach to ensure the safety of all road users. As authorities work to implement new strategies and technology, the responsibility ultimately lies with drivers to prioritize safety.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops and watch for the new measures aimed at reversing the troubling trend in WA’s road safety.
