South West region’s top cop urges road safety following latest Donnybrook fatal crash

As major crash continues investigating a crash that killed a 65-year-old man near Donnybrook overnight, the region’s top cop has urged caution on the road, saying fatal crashes equally affected South West locals and visitors. South West District Police Superintendent Geoff Stewart said the community would be reeling from the shock of another road fatality following the crash in Paynedale on Tuesday night, just shy of the one-year anniversary of the horror crash that claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy last October. “Donnybrook is now experiencing more road trauma, and it will definitely impact the entire community,” Supt. Stewart said. “It is terrible for the family and what they are suffering. This pain will flow through to the community as a whole.” About 8.35pm, a Nissan Patrol was being driven in a south-west direction along Goodwood Road near Paynedale when about 400m before the intersection of Pearls Road the vehicle left the road and struck several trees. The 65-year-old male driver of the vehicle died at the scene of the crash. Tuesday’s crash occurred just 14 days short of the one-year anniversary of the crash that claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy and injured four other teenagers aged between 13 and 17. In March this year a 66-year-old man died in a separate single-vehicle crash along South Western Highway near Argyle, less than 10km from Tuesday’s crash. “People seem to think it’s the out-of-towners who are involved in these crashes,” Supt Stewart said. “We’re losing an equal amount of South West people and out-of-towners in fatal road crashes.” He urged motorists to be sure they adapt their driving to the condition of the road. “The majority of our fatal crashes are single vehicles that leave the road and strike objects such as trees,” Supt Stewart said. Less than 12 hours later, a driver and passenger walked away from a single-vehicle crash in Bunbury which left the dual-cab ute they were travelling in smashed beyond recognition after it left the road and hit a tree. Police are asking anyone with information regarding these crashes to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report the information online at crimestopperswa.com.au.