Police alert on single vehicle toll

Two men are dead and police are trying to figure out what happened in two separate fatal crashes in as many days in the South West.

The tragic events have prompted renewed calls from the region’s top cop for drivers to “think about the trauma” left on loved ones.

A South Bunbury man died in a horrific crash near Capel on Tuesday when police say his vehicle left the road and hit a tree.

That crash occurred on Elgin Road about 1km south of Clarke Road in Elgin about 3pm. The 43-year-old man died at the scene.

The region’s road toll climbed again yesterday when a motorcyclist died in a collision with another vehicle in Eaton.

Police and paramedics rushed to the intersection of Old Coast Road and Venezia Boulevard, but sadly the rider died.

The motorcyclist and a car towing a caravan collided near the Pelican Point canal estate about 9am.

South West Supt Mick Sutherland said while it was still not yet known exactly what happened, the two crashes were reminders for road users to take responsibility.

“It’s heartbreaking for the community and families to be going through this again and again in the South West,” Supt Sutherland told the South Western Times.

“It comes down to taking responsibility and to just think about the trauma it causes the families.”

Major crash officers were called in to investigate both crashes with witnesses urged to come forward.

Supt Sutherland said the Elgin crash in particular, resonated messages around distractions while driving.

“It’s always a mystery what causes these single vehicle crashes and we again just ask and remind people to take extra care,” he said.

“Especially around distractions and use of mobile phones.

“It’s really about people’s driver attitude, driving to conditions, refraining from using mobile phones, speeding and all the other usual distractions.”

Anyone who saw either crash or who might have information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.