Rockingham crashes result in call for care

Several serious accidents on Rockingham roads have sparked renewed pleas from police and the Road Safety Commission for drivers to take care in the wet.

A 33-year-old Hammond Park man remains in a critical condition after his green utility smashed into a power pole and trees on Patterson Road last week.

He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital and treated for serious head and leg injuries.

The crash was the most recent in a string of incidents that have caused serious harm on local roads, including the death of a motorcyclist in May.

A spokesman for the Road Safety Commission said during winter motorists needed to drive to the conditions of the road.

“By changing your behaviour on wet roads you can avoid the risks associated with driving in wet weather that could result in serious and fatal crashes,” the spokesman said.

“Roads can become slippery in the rain, so you should leave more space between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, as extra stopping distance may be required. Slow down and be aware of what is happening around you on the roads.”

State Emergency Services regional manager Chris Strickland said staff responded to at least two calls last week where vehicles had driven into homes after losing control in the wet.

He said the incidents were “quite common” after heavy rains in the area.

A snapshot of this year’s road fatalities shows there have been 78 deaths in WA.

That includes 45 regional and 33 metro deaths, nine pedestrian deaths including three mobility scooter deaths and three cycling deaths.

While the State was faring better than at the same time last year (91 fatalities), the RSC said forecast heavy rains could reduce visibility on the road. “In torrential rain, it may be safer to pull over,” the RSC spokesman said.

“If you are a motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian, make sure you can be seen by wearing high vis or bright coloured clothing. Make sure your headlights or the lights on your bicycle are on.”