Katanning police plead for care on Great Southern roads ahead of busy period

Katanning police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Carlos Correia has pleaded with motorists to take care on the region’s roads after the latest crash tragedy in the Great Southern. With the Queen’s Birthday long weekend and school holidays coming up this month — along with a national day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II on September 22 — Sen. Sgt Correia said police would be out in force. In the early hours of Tuesday last week, a 56-year-old man was killed after his motorcycle left Albany Highway and struck several trees north of Kojonup. There have been 108 deaths on WA roads so far this year, with 72 of these coming in the regions. That is the third highest year-to-date road toll for regional WA in the 11 years of records available online. Sen. Sgt Correia said risks were always heightened during busy periods. “It is important everyone gets to their destination safely,” he said. “If you are towing a caravan or trailer, you can only do 100km/h an hour,” he said. “We have people still trying to do 110km/h an hour with a trailer, and really pushing the limits. “I would rather people get to where they are going safely.” Sen. Sgt Correia urged drivers to take regular breaks on long trips and to avoid driving tired. “Having a driver’s licence is a privilege, not a right,” he said. “Be sensible on the road — do the right thing.”