Tristan’s Life Toll a reminder to protect those who keep us safe on the road

News story
The Road Safety Commission launched the latest story in its Life Toll series, which highlights the lifelong impacts of road trauma, during National Road Safety Week 2023.
Last updated:

The sharing of traffic controller Tristan’s story coincides with a call for drivers to protect those who are keeping us safe by slowing down and giving them space.

Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said that as drivers we have a responsibility to look out for people working on our roads – they are there to help us.

“This includes emergency services personnel, tow truck and roadside assistance drivers, road workers and traffic controllers, like Tristan,” he said.

In sharing his story, Tristan tells how his life was changed forever when he was hit while working as a traffic controller in Perth in 2021.

Losing a leg, Tristan has had to learn to walk again and describes losing his freedom following his amputation.

Concerningly, the Road Safety Commission’s recent trial of mobile safety cameras revealed one in three drivers speeding through road works on Great Eastern Highway in the Wheatbelt’s Ghooli.

Mr Warner said Tristan has shown tremendous courage in speaking out and hopes his story highlights the vulnerability of people working on our roads and the importance of driving at or under posted speed limits.

“Slow down, pay attention and make sure they can get home safely to their families,” he said.

“Our Life Toll campaign highlights the life altering impacts of serious injuries sustained in road crashes.

“Many of these crashes are preventable and I hope Tristan’s powerful story raises awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence, inattention and speed.”

Western Australia has a Slow Down, Move Over or SLOMO law in place which requires drivers to slow down to 40 km/h when approaching specific stationary emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights while attending an incident.

Tristan’s story as well as stories from Roslind, Ben, Paul and Cory are available on our Life Toll page.