The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) has taken centre stage in the discussion about road safety across regional Western Australia (WA), particularly in light of 2023’s contrasting road fatality statistics.
While the broader region celebrated a 28% decline in road deaths compared to 2022, the Pilbara area emerged as an outlier with a 67% increase in fatalities, according to the WA Road Safety Commission. This anomaly has prompted a deeper look into the challenges of maintaining road safety, especially in rural areas.
Will Golsby, general manager of external relations at RAC, expressed concern over the persistent dangers of driving in regional WA, identifying it as among the nation’s riskiest regions.
“The level of road trauma that occurs in Western Australia is unacceptable. We all share a responsibility to make our roads safe,” he said. “Deaths and serious injuries on our roads have a devastating and long-lasting impact on far too many families and local communities in Western Australia.”
Golsby highlighted the unique dangers associated with rural driving, including extensive travel distances, elevated speeds, deteriorating road conditions, and wildlife encounters.
“That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead, to be patient, and to remain alert at all times,” he said.
RAC’s focus extends to the infrastructural aspects contributing to road safety. The organisation’s 2022 Risky Roads survey pinpointed the Great Northern Highway stretch from Port Hedland to Newman as notably hazardous, criticised for its narrowness, lack of overtaking opportunities, and overall poor quality.
In response to these challenges, RAC has publicly commended recent governmental efforts to upgrade regional roadways, pushing for continued and increased funding in this area.
“RAC strongly welcomes recent investment by governments to upgrade and improve the safety of our regional roads and will continue to call for further funding in the years ahead,” Golsby said.
The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) recently released a report highlighting a significant increase in the presence of aggressive drivers on the road.
