The article discusses the efforts being made to address the rising road toll in Western Australia, with a focus on initiatives to improve road safety and reduce the number of fatalities. The state government recently convened an emergency road safety summit, where grieving father Daniel Campo, who lost his son in a car crash, met with key stakeholders including the Premier, Police Commissioner, and industry leaders. Campo emphasized the importance of holding the government accountable for their commitment to taking action to address the road toll issue.
As of now, 122 people have been killed on WA roads this year, prompting suggestions from experts on potential measures to improve road safety. These measures include tightening licensing restrictions for P-platers, heavy vehicle drivers, and motorbike riders, as well as reducing speed limits on regional roads at night and in wet conditions. The recommendation to implement safety campaigns with a “shock factor” was also discussed, in order to raise awareness about the risks associated with reckless driving and encourage safer behaviors on the roads.
Minister for Road Safety David Michael highlighted the need for more impactful advertising campaigns to remind all West Australians, especially young people, about the potential consequences of unsafe driving practices. He pointed out that young people are particularly over-represented in the data for road fatalities and serious injuries, but emphasized that they are not the only demographic affected. The government is considering whether to tighten restrictions on P-platers and to take additional measures to ensure that newly licensed drivers are driving with the least possible risk.
The summit brought together various industry participants, including the Road Safety Commissioner, RAC, WA Local Government Association, and the WA Centre for Road Safety. These organizations discussed the existing road safety targets set by the state and the need to assess whether current strategies are effective in reducing the road toll. CEO Nick Sloan of the WA Local Government Association noted that the state is currently not on track to meet its targets and emphasized the importance of exploring new approaches to address road safety challenges. The summit served as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and develop innovative solutions to improve road safety in Western Australia.
Overall, the article underscores the urgent need for action to address the rising road toll in Western Australia and prevent further tragedies like the one experienced by Daniel Campo and his family. The government and industry stakeholders are exploring various measures to enhance road safety, including tighter licensing restrictions, speed limit reductions, and more impactful safety campaigns. By working together and implementing innovative solutions, they aim to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on WA roads and create a safer environment for all drivers and road users. The summit served as a catalyst for discussions on how to effectively address the road toll issue and make tangible progress towards achieving the state’s road safety targets.
