Waroona, Australind police urge caution during Easter long weekend as busy period expected on the roads

Police are urging motorists to take care on the roads this Easter long weekend, warning that “every available officer” will be on deck to target dangerous road behaviour as people flock to the region for the four-day long weekend..

The warning comes just a week after a 21-year-old died in a crash on Forrest Highway near Waroona on March 25, just days after the occupants of a campervan narrowly escaped serious injuries in a hit-and-run rollover near Myalup on March 19.

Waroona police officer-in-charge Sgt Keith Tarver said ensuring the safety of road users through high-visibility patrols would be the focus of the station’s efforts this weekend.

“The public will likely see a more visible police presence as we are aiming to remind all road users about road behaviour and courtesy to other road users,” he said.

Sgt Tarver urged motorists to take their time and warned against driving tired.

“Police will be targeting drivers who are speeding, not wearing seatbelts and those affected by drugs and alcohol,” he said.

“Your licence is too valuable and we can all agree that the tragic number of lives lost on our roads is too high, so let’s all contribute to safe travel for all over Easter.”

Australind police Sgt Paul Williams said “highly visible patrols” and random breath testing were his officers’ top priorities.

“All available staff have been rostered to work and officers will be concentrating on the main arterial roads as well as the sub-district generally,” he said.

Sgt Williams asked motorists to take a rest if required, even if it made them a few minutes late.

Double demerits will be in place for several driving offences from Thursday to Monday.