Commuters are urged to drive cautiously this WA Day long weekend, with showers, thunderstorms, and moderate rainfall totals forecast for the Perth metro and south-west. Heavy falls are also possible along the west coast.
On Friday, up to 20 mm of rain is expected for Perth, while Mandurah could see up to 25 mm, with the wet weather expected to continue throughout the weekend and into next week.
Particular caution is advised on Monday as holiday makers return home, with widespread rainfall totals of 20 to 40 mm expected and possible thunderstorms throughout the south-west.
Double demerits will be in place from 12.01am on Friday, May 30 to 11.59pm on Monday, June 2. Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said long weekends often led to higher volumes of traffic, especially on popular holiday routes with higher speed limits.
“The biggest concern for the Road Safety Commission this long weekend is everyone’s rush to start their winter break,” Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said.
“That haste and eagerness to get to where they’re going as fast as they can, mixed with more cars on the road and bad weather is a deadly combination.
“In 2024, almost half of all fatalities happened on roads of 100km/h or higher, most of these in regional areas.
“Speed limits are the maximum safe speed under perfect road conditions; clear roads, no hazards and good weather – but when the conditions aren’t favourable, busy roads, road works and bad weather, you need to slow down.
“The speed limit is just that, a limit, not a target. Be courteous to one another on the road, slow and steady is the safe and sensible way to go.”
Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist Caroline Crow encourages the community to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.
“If you are staying at home or travelling this long weekend, remember to check the Bureau’s website and BOM Weather app for the latest forecast and warning information,” she said.
Commander Mike Peters, Road Policing Command, reminds motorists to drive safely at all times, and that WA Police can be anywhere, anytime during this upcoming long weekend.
“WA Police will take an increased enforcement approach during the upcoming long weekend, targeting ‘The Fatal Five’, which continues to be overrepresented in fatal and serious crashes,” he said.“This includes an increase in the number of high visibility patrols particularly within a 400-kilometre radius from Perth, known as the ‘The Arc of Influence’.
“Our officers do not want to knock on your door during this long weekend to deliver devastating and life changing news about the loss of a loved one on our roads.
“The message is simple, don’t speed. Every police vehicle across the state will be undertaking some sort of road enforcement and our safety camera fleet will also be out in force.”
