Road users in WA have been warned to stay safe and avoid complacency after 2017 had the lowest recorded number of fatalities on the state’s roads since records began.
161 people lost their lives on WA roads in 2017, compared to 196 people who were killed in 2016. WA still has the second highest road fatality rate per 100,000 people as a state. 
The 2017 Preliminary summary of fatalities on Western Australian roads, released by the Road Safety Commission revealed that speed, alcohol, inattention and fatigue are still a factor in 63 per cent of fatalities.
Vulnerable road users made up 32 per cent of all fatalities, which includes 26 motorcyclists, 15 pedestrians and seven cyclists.
WA’s fatality rate per 100,000 people decreased to 6.2 per cent in 2017, the lowest since 1961, but it is still above the national average of 5.0.
WA Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts said one death on Western Australian roads is one too many.
“I’m encouraged by the reduction in road deaths last year, Western Australia is still above the national average,” she said.
“While some 38 fewer people were killed that is of no comfort to the families of road trauma.”
“Our roads can be a dangerous place, which means we all have to take great care and give our full attention to the task of driving. Drive within the speed limit, drive to the conditions, leave the phone alone and take a break on long journeys.”
“We know some people make mistakes on the road, but I just urge all drivers to reconsider their behaviour behind the wheel and make a commitment to drive so others survive,” she said.
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