Katanning police urge motorists to take care on Great Southern roads heading into busy months

Katanning police acting officer-in-charge Ben Reeves has urged motorists to take caution on the roads after two crashes in the Great Southern on the weekend with one leaving a woman in a serious condition. At 5.40pm on Saturday, a 19-year-old P-plater lost control of her Holden Rodeo and crashed into a ditch on Great Southern Highway about 1km South of the intersection of Esmond Road and Onslow Road. Emergency services attended the crash site, closing both lanes until a tow truck arrived at 6.26pm to remove the vehicle. Just 12 hours earlier, a woman in her 20s was left in a serious condition after her car crashed into a tree on Albany Highway near Cranbrook. Sen. Sgt Reeves said a lapse in concentration could happen to anyone but the P-plater’s crash was the result of her novice driving experience. “She went too far on one side of the road around the bend and overcorrected,” he said. “It was innocent driver behaviour and happened through a lack of experience with driving at night and on country roads.” Spring is a popular time for motorists to commute through the Great Southern with the wildflower season and King’s Birthday public holiday on September 25. Sen. Sgt Reeves said it is important for drivers to exercise caution on the roads. “If you are a novice driver, make sure you always have someone with you and even alternate driving shifts,” he said. “Limit the amount of distractions and keep on top of vehicle maintenance.”