‘Alarming’: WA’s horror year for road tolls with 23 pedestrians killed already

WA is on track for its worst year for pedestrians killed in road crashes. So far this year, 23 pedestrians have been killed in crashes, including a 45-year-old man on Friday night who died after he was struck by a bus on Wellington Street outside RAC Arena. The 23 people killed is already more than last year’s total of 22, and is the highest toll since 2013, when 31 pedestrians died in crashes. The deaths represent nearly a quarter of the 2025 road toll. This year’s total also includes the death of Tranh Phan, who was struck by an e-scooter last month, prompting a suspension of the hireable vehicles in the CBD, pending an investigation. The Road Safety Commission, which records all fatal road crashes, said pedestrians were not limited to people walking and included those riding an animal, a motorised wheelchair, skateboarders or scooter riders. WA’s annual road toll now sits at 94. The latest fatality was a 27-year-old man, who died on Saturday after his Nissan sedan collided with a prime mover and a tow truck on Great Northern Highway in Chittering. Police say the sedan and tow truck were travelling south when the Nissan collided with the oncoming prime mover, which then struck the tow truck. Confronting images taken of the crash scene show the mangled wreck of a white car torn in half after impact. The driver of the prime mover and tow truck — a 69-year-old and 71-year-old man, respectively — were not injured. The alarming road toll is also on track to be the worst year in more than a decade. It has prompted more calls for action from both government and drivers. RAC‘s Will Golsby said the group would continue to advocate or road safety improvements across Perth and regional WA — and encourage all drivers to be safe behind the wheel. “WA consistently has one of the worst road fatality rates in the nation. Last year saw WA record its highest level of road deaths in a decade, and right now 2025 is on track to be an even more tragic year,” he said. “We have seen an alarming spike in road deaths in metropolitan Perth this year, including a number of devastating pedestrian fatalities. “It only takes a split second for a tragedy to occur, and even a low-speed crash can be catastrophic for a pedestrian or cyclist.” Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby said the State Government was determined to keep WA’s growing community safe. “Pedestrians should be able go about their business without being exposed to unnecessary risks,” he said. “I urge all people to watch where they’re walking or riding but drivers also need to take responsibility on our roads. “Please take care while driving by keeping to the speed limit, avoiding distractions and making sensible decisions. “We want to make sure pedestrians are safe and we will continue to work together with the Road Safety Commission, Main Roads and WA Police to ensure their safety.” Following Mr Phan’s death, Mr Whitby called a parliamentary inquiry into the rules governing e-rideables. “This inquiry will be asked to consider regulations including new and expanded penalties and restrictions in entertainment precincts and populated pedestrian areas,” he said.