‘One life lost on WA roads is one too many’: Police crack down on ‘fatal five’
Police are bolstering high visibility patrols in a bid to improve driver behaviour and reduce road fatalities over the holiday period.
The new action plan, launched Thursday, targets the “fatal five” – speeding, drugs and alcohol, seatbelts and helmets, mobile phone use, and fatigue.
Police have charged a 26-year-old man with a string of offences after a car chase ended in a dramatic crash on Mounts Bay Road early on Thursday.Credit: Perth Night News
The Christmas and New Year’s double-demerit period will also be in place across WA from Friday, December 20 to January 5.
Regional high visibility patrols are also ramping up with more speed cameras deployed within a 400-kilometre bubble around the Perth metro area.
Road Policing acting Commander Mike Peters said WA Police was continuing the mantra of “anywhere, anytime”.
“The message is simple: don’t speed,” he said.
“Every police vehicle across the state will be undertaking some form of enforcement and our safety camera fleet will also be out in force.”
The plea comes a day after a young boy was critically injured when he was hit by a 4WD while riding his bike in Girrawheen.
Police said the eight-year-old received critical injuries and an 11-year-old was also seriously injured when they were hit by a black Mitsubishi Pajero about 5.15pm on Amberton Avenue on Wednesday, December 18.
Both were taken to Perth Children’s Hospital.
The 39-year-old male driver of the Mitsubishi Pajero was uninjured.
In a separate incident, police charged a 26-year-old man with a string of offences after a police chase ended in a dramatic crash on Mounts Bay Road early on Thursday morning.
Police spotted a white Holden Commodore Sedan travelling on Canning Highway in Bicton at 12.40am.
The driver allegedly failed to stop and the Police Air Wing tracked the vehicle as it allegedly travelled recklessly from Bicton to Perth.
A stinger was deployed on Mounts Bay Road and the vehicle continued driving until it hit a wall at the intersection with Barrack Street.
During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly found a replica firearm, a meat cleaver and methamphetamine.
The man has been charged with failure to comply with a direction to stop, reckless driving to escape pursuit, no authority to drive, possessing a prohibited weapon, possessing a prohibited drug and using an unlicensed vehicle.
“One life lost on our roads is one too many, we urge everyone to drive safe this holiday season and keep in mind the safety of yourself and the safety of others,” Peters said.
“Our officers do not want to knock on your door this Christmas to deliver the devastating and life-changing news about the loss of a loved one on our roads.”
Read more
‘Who is the economy booming for?’: Damning report unveils scale of WA cost-of-living crisis
Lies, drugs, rape: Perth dentist’s pattern of sexual abuse laid bare
Chevron exits North West Shelf after 40 years in major asset swap with Woodside
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.