A fatal crash at Yabberup has brought the South West region of Western Australia's road toll to 16 deaths in 2026, accounting for more than a third of the state's 44 road fatalities since the start of the year, according to the Road Safety Commission.
The latest victim, a 52-year-old woman, died on Sunday near Yabberup, 280 kilometres south of Perth. On the same day, a motorhome carrying four people crashed into a tree in Rosa Glen, 17 kilometres east of Margaret River, leaving two women in their 20s with serious injuries. One was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital.
With the Easter long weekend approaching, thousands of travellers are expected to flock to the South West despite high fuel prices. South West Police Superintendent Paul Van Noort urged drivers to take extra care. "It's a dangerous time with all the cars on the road … we're just asking people to take care," he said.
Emergency services personnel gathered in Dunsborough for a blessing of first responders and their vehicles. WA Police chaplain David Ladner highlighted the far-reaching impact of road fatalities, affecting not only those involved but also their families, friends, and emergency workers.
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner noted that school holidays are traditionally challenging periods on WA roads. He urged drivers to avoid the "fatal five": speeding, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, distractions, and drugs or alcohol. The WA government aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50 to 70 per cent by 2030.
