Great Southern police reveal statistics from their summer holiday operation on regional roads

Great Southern police issued more than 1000 speeding infringements and seized nine vehicles during their holiday roads campaign over the Christmas and new year period. The double demerits period ran from December 22 to January 9 and Great Southern police were out in force across the district. In that period, Great Southern police conducted 7400 breath tests and laid 30 alcohol and drug driving charges. There were 18 people charged with no authority to drive and three reckless driving offences while nine vehicles were seized. There were 1300 speeding fines issued in those 18 days. There have already been three fatal crashes in the Great Southern police district in 2023, with four people killed in those incidents. On Friday, January 20, a 54-year-old male and 54-year-old female were both killed after the motorcycle they were riding crashed into the rear of a turning Toyota HiLux in Wuraming near Boddington. About 3.40pm, the HiLux was turning right into a forest track off Pinjarra-Williams Road when an Indian motorcycle travelling west struck the rear of the Toyota. Both riders died at the scene from their injuries. On Monday, January 16, an 81-year-old man died in Yornaning between Pingelly and Narrogin. About 1pm, a white Toyota HiLux struck a small water pipeline on the side of Great Southern Highway and came to rest a short distance away. The elderly driver died at the scene. Corrigin man Daniel Lewis, 21, was killed after the Holden Colorado he was driving left the road and rolled on Corrigin South Road the early New Year’s Day. Major crash investigators are probing all three fatal crashes. Great Southern police traffic officer-in-charge Sergeant Derek Grimes said the amount of serious crashes in the region over the summer holiday period was concerning. “Overall, the majority of road users are doing the right thing but there are still people making poor choices,” Sgt Grimes said. “Police are concerned with the amount of crashes on our roads and urge drivers to take care, drive to the road conditions and road rules. “Some of these crashes have involved persons not wearing seatbelts. “There have been several serious crashes so far in 2023. Some involve distraction and lack of care as contributing factors. “Special care needs to be taken with increased vehicles towing caravans coming up to the end of the school holidays, still a lot of movement, drivers to show patience. “Police will continue to focus on all offences that contribute to crashes including speed, alcohol-drug testing, seatbelts and mobile phones, which all contribute to distraction.”