The Nationals Candidate for Collie-Preston Wayne Sanford has announced plans to commit $1million – $200,000 per year for 5 years with the intent to establish a Road Safety Trauma Centre located in the South West. This will complement the Nationals commitment to the $900million Regional Road Safety Program announced last week.
Mr Sanford, said “Western Australia has one of the highest road tolls in the nation, with hundreds of people killed or seriously injured each year”
“The emotional impact on families and communities from road trauma is immeasurable and can have long lasting impacts. It is not just the people involved in the accident, but the emotional effects are far reaching into local communities.
“The Nationals WA have committed to fast tracking the $900 million Regional Road Safety Program, but we also see the need to address the impact this Road Trauma leaves on the thousands killed or seriously injured and their family and friends.
“Road Trauma Support WA exists in Perth and establishing this type of service here in the South West will help families such as mine. I know from personal experience road crashes effect not only the injured but their family and friends and the wider community they live in.
“In 2020, 155 people died on WA roads, never making it home to their loved ones. 60% of these deaths occurred on regional roads, despite only having 21% of the population.”
It is estimated that road trauma costs the state economy as much as $2 billion annually.
