2014 preliminary road statistics released

A snapshot of Western Australia's fatal and critical injuries from 2014 has revealed that speed and alcohol remain the top two contributing factors to fatal crashes, accounting for nearly one-third of deaths on the State's roads.

  • 184 fatalities and 298 critical injuries on WA roads last year

  • WA's fatality rate decreasing significantly, but still higher than national rate 

A snapshot of Western Australia's fatal and critical injuries from 2014 has revealed that speed and alcohol remain the top two contributing factors to fatal crashes, accounting for nearly one-third of deaths on the State's roads.

Road Safety Minister Liza Harvey said although WA's fatality rate had decreased significantly since 2001, the high numbers of road deaths and critical injuries last year was simply unacceptable.

"Every life lost or person severely injured in a road crash is one too many.  All road deaths are preventable," Mrs Harvey said.

"The road toll isn't just a number.  It represents people that are cherished by family and friends, who are left to deal with the grief of losing a loved one in sudden and tragic circumstances.

"Road safety is a shared responsibility and everyone needs to play their part by making the conscious decision not to speed or drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, wear a seatbelt and not to drive while tired or distracted.

"I urge motorists to heed these simple messages and drive with care this Easter for the sake of themselves, their loved ones and other innocent road users."

Of the 115 known motor vehicle occupant fatalities last year, 31 per cent were not wearing an appropriate restraint at the time of the crash.

The statistics reveal WA's fatality rate per 100,000 persons has reduced by 24 per cent over the past six years from 9.6 in 2008 to 7.2 in 2014.

Critical injury rates per 100,000 persons have also fallen from 16.3 to 11.6 in the same period.

Despite males representing half of the WA population, 73 per cent of the 184 road deaths were male, with the highest number of fatalities was in the 40-49 year age group (16 per cent).

The Minister said while there were many positives in the results, the Government would remain relentless in further reducing road trauma through safer roads, enforcement and education.

"The State Government is committed to road safety in WA, with current initiatives including alcohol interlocks, a speed camera plan, changes to penalties for certain offences, the "~Share the Road' campaign targeting motorists and cyclists, and the promotion of the Stars on Cars vehicle safety program," she said.

"A new Commissioner of Road Safety will also be appointed this year to ensure that the increased funding available to road safety initiatives will deliver reduced trauma on the State's roads."

      Fact File

Minister's office - 6552 5900