Rural Road Safety Month: Australian Road Safety Foundation encourages safe driving following stark survey

The Australian Road Safety Foundation is encouraging motorists travelling through the Mid West-Gascoyne this school holidays to be vigilant on the roads, as the road toll rises 42 per cent across regional WA.

In the four years up until 2023, 41 people lost their lives on roads in the Mid West-Gascoyne, while 286 people were seriously injured.

Out of the 77 fatalities in WA last year, 49 per cent were on regional roads.

In a survey compiled by Pure Profile on behalf of ARSF as part of Rural Road Safety Month, half of those surveyed admitted to speeding on rural roads.

And 21 per cent of people said they drove despite feeling fatigued, while 12 per cent admitted to using a mobile phone behind the wheel.

And 46 per cent of drivers admitted they break laws on regional roads primarily because they believed it was safe, while 15 per cent blame driving tired and 12 per cent put it to being distracted.

The results demonstrate that many West Australians are showing negative driver behaviours.

ARSC chief executive Russell White said it was disheartening to find some drivers failed to prioritise safety and admit to taking unnecessary risks on roads.

“The primary concern for drivers in the Mid West-Gascoyne region is driver fatigue and loss of concentration, due to the long, isolated stretches of road,” he said.

Drivers in the region should remember to stop regularly during longer road trips, pay attention to road conditions and wildlife, and take extra care when overtaking vehicles, Mr White said.

“With increased traffic heading north to the Mid West-Gascoyne region from Perth during the school holidays, it’s essential that both locals and travellers stay alert and cautious,” he said.

“By slowing down, avoiding distractions, and remaining vigilant, everyone can contribute to a safer holiday on regional roads.”