DRIVERS in regional areas are significantly over-represented in road fatalities and serious injuries.
This is a major finding of the 2014 Risky Roads survey released on Thursday by RAC.
The report found 54 per cent of all WA road fatalities are occurring in regional areas despite only 22 per cent of the state’s population calling the regions home.
RAC general manager of corporate affairs Will Golsby said the state-wide survey highlights the need for an increase in road funding.
“This funding is urgent because tragically the road fatality toll is already 20 deaths more than this time last year,” Mr Golsby said.
The report also asked the public to nominate dangerous roads or intersections with more than 5000 nominations received.
Bussell Highway in Capel was named the second most dangerous road state-wide and was ranked first on the regional list.
Those surveyed highlighted poor road quality and a lack of overtaking opportunities as hazards.
For the first time, the survey also invited members to suggest changes to make the road safer.
The survey saw resurfacing and the construction of additional overtaking lanes as a way of minimising the risk.
The corner of Crampton Avenue and Parade Road in Usher was ranked seventh on the top ten dangerous regional intersections with four other Bunbury locations on the full list.
In 2013 on average, one person died on WA roads nearly every two days.
Which Bunbury roads or intersections do you think are dangerous? Email editor.bunburymail@fairfaxmedia.com.au
The Risky Roads survey listed the following five roads or intersections as some of the most frequently reported as dangerous in the state.
1. Alyxia Drive and Forrest Highway intersection in Vittoria. The issue highlighted at this intersection was no advanced warning of a merge point or intersection with frequent red-light running. The member suggestion was to install additional merge point line markings and install advance signal warning lights on approach to the intersection.
2. Crampton Avenue and Parade Road intersection in Usher. The issues highlighted at this intersection were the congestion from adjoining residential suburb and a lack of turning opportunities. The member suggestion was to install a roundabout or right turning lane.
3. Hasties Road, Gelorup. The issue highlighted was a poor road surface with a recommendation to resurface the road and upgrade the drain covers.
4. Spencer Street and Constitution Street intersection in Bunbury. The issue highlighted was a poorly designed pedestrian facility with the recommendation to upgrade it.
5. Hasties Road and Bussell Highway intersection in Gelorup. The issue highlighted at this intersection was the lack of turning opportunities with an upgrade of the intersection recommended.
