FATALITIES on the state's regional roads have increased each year since 2017, RAA has revealed.
This has prompted RAA to urge all road users to play their part in an effort to reduce further road trauma.
Police figures show the annual number of lives lost on regional roads has increase from 55 in 2017, to 61 in 2018 and 75 last year. Already 68 lives have been lost on regional roads in 2020.
RAA Safety and Infrastructure senior manager Charles Mountain said traffic would be heavier on the state's road network during the upcoming festive season, as people take advantage of school and public holidays.
"We urge everyone to focus on the task of driving when behind the wheel, so that they arrive safely at their destination,'' he said.
Mr Mountain said there were several factors contributing to the relatively higher rate of lives lost on regional roads compared to suburban roads.
"This includes vehicles travelling at higher speeds on rural roads compared with the majority of metropolitan roads.
"Motorists must account for these speeds and their impact on braking and handling particularly when towing and in adverse weather conditions. When travelling at 50km per hour, the stopping distance is around 33 metres - but at 110km per hour the stopping distance balloons out to more than 100m - even more when your vehicle is fully packed for holiday travel.
"People driving in the regions often travel long distances and driver fatigue can be fatal. It's important to start your journey fresh and plan regular rest stops to refresh and if possible change drivers.
"Driver distraction too is a major safety hazard with potentially fatal consequences.
"There are numerous distractions potentially competing for drivers' attention on regional roads, such as admiring the scenery or wildlife or looking for a turn off.''
Mr Mountain said other common distractions also included mobile phones, car stereos, passengers - especially young children - and GPS units.
He also urged motorists to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy, especially before driving holidays, including inspecting tyres, lights, windscreen wipers and spare tyres.
"If towing, make sure everything is securely attached to the vehicle before starting especially including the power socket and safety chains,'' Mr Mountain said.
"Its good practice to also check these each time you stop for a break as well.''
As well as providing safe driving tips, Mr Mountain said RAA advocates for ongoing government investment across the state's road network because better roads and road maintenance minimises the risk of crashing and reduces the severity of injuries if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a crash.
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