The roads of Western Australia have witnessed a disturbing trend – a 10-year high in road deaths. As of 2025, 108 lives have been lost, with two more tragic incidents adding to the statistics.
The latest victim was a 35-year-old e-scooter rider who fell prey to a truck in Perth’s southern suburbs.
This heartbreaking incident has sparked a call to action, with experts and paramedics urging drivers to reassess their behavior on the roads.
The Need for a Change in Driver Behavior
The WA Road Safety Commissioner, Adrian Warner, emphasizes that the soaring road toll is not just a concern for politicians, but for drivers themselves.
“We need to be conscious about the choices we make when we get behind the wheel,” he stresses.
The fact that all these deaths are preventable if people make safer choices cannot be overstated. It’s time for drivers to take responsibility for their actions and acknowledge that their decisions can have far-reaching consequences.
Speed: The Silent Killer on Western Australian Roads
University of Western Australia Centre for Road Safety Research Director Professor Teresa Senserrick reveals that speed is the largest contributor to road crashes.
“Driving several kilometers over the speed limit is like driving after you’ve been awake for 19 hours or driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.05,” she warns.
The pressure to keep up with the speed of other vehicles can be overwhelming, but it’s crucial to remember that speeding is a significant risk factor.
Strategies to manage speed, such as investing in safety cameras and regional roads, can help prevent crashes, but ultimately, it’s up to individual drivers to take control.
A Paramedic’s Plea: Witnessing the Aftermath of Road Accidents
Deane Coxall, a special operations manager at St John WA, has witnessed his fair share of fatal crash scenes.
He describes these experiences as “really harrowing” and recalls the trauma that haunts him long after the incident. Mr. Coxall urges drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and take breaks when fatigued.
“If road users experienced what we experienced, I think they would understand the real impacts that these crashes have,” he says, his frustration and sadness palpable.
The Ripple Effect of Road Trauma
The impact of road accidents extends far beyond the immediate victims. Psychologist and general manager of Road Trauma Support WA, Ian Holbrook, explains that road trauma can affect not just those involved in the crash, but also bystanders, first responders, and family members.
Driving is a privilege, not a right, and it’s essential to remember that the consequences of reckless driving can be catastrophic.
As the Road Safety Commission works to support those affected by road trauma, it’s crucial for drivers to recognize the gravity of their actions and strive to make safer choices.
A Call to Action: Let’s Work Together to Prevent Road Accidents
As the number of road deaths continues to rise, it’s time for a collective effort to prevent further tragedies.
By acknowledging the risks associated with speeding, distraction, and fatigue, drivers can take the first step towards creating a safer driving environment.
Let’s heed the warnings of experts and paramedics, and work together to reduce the alarming rate of road deaths in Western Australia.
The lives lost on our roads are a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving, and it’s up to us to make a change.