South West police and emergency services drive home road safety message ahead of Easter long weekend

As the South West prepares for a busy Easter influx, local police and volunteer emergency services are urging travellers to put safety first, as the region’s road toll continues to climb.

The region’s annual Easter road safety campaign was launched on Monday, bringing together police and emergency crews ahead of increased activity across roads, waterways and beaches.

It follows the death of a 52-year-old woman in a crash near Yabberup on Sunday, bringing this year’s South West road toll to 16, according to the Road Safety Commission.

Dunsborough police sergeant and officer-in-charge Jon Adams said additional officers would be deployed from Perth over the long weekend.

“Our priority is to prevent further trauma on our roads, and even over this last weekend, we’ve seen that in the South West, ” he said.

“Many families have been left with permanent grief following decisions that could have been avoided.”

Sgt Adams said the South West is expected to be busier than usual this Easter, with travellers opting for shorter trips amid rising fuel costs and widespread damage in northern parts of the State caused by cyclone Narelle.

“The distance from Perth makes it quite attractive, instead of the higher fuel costs and going further afield,” he said.

Authorities are also turning their attention to water safety, with local marine rescue volunteers reminding people to take care when heading out on the ocean.

Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue commander Paul Bresland said recent incidents highlighted how quickly conditions can turn dangerous, referencing the dramatic rescue of the Appelbee family off Quindalup in January.

“Everyone should know their own capabilities, let people know where you’re going, when you’re getting back . . . keep an eye on weather conditions and keep safe,” he said.

City of Busselton mayor Phill Cronin reminded residents and visitors that the region remains under a restricted burning period.

“When we are in this restricted burning, people tend to be burning their piles, they get out of control, and that’s where we’re finding the issues, and the brigades are being called out,” he said.

Sgt Adams also acknowledged the role of volunteers during the busy period.

“We ask so much of them that we really would like to reduce having to ask them to come out and help us, because we want people to do the right thing,” he said.