People making bad decisions on WA country roads have led to a spike in fatalities in 2016, says the state's Road Safety Commissioner.
As of December 29, 119 people died in regional WA crashes, 32 more than the same time in 2015.
It's part of a tragic, national trend, Commissioner Kim Papalia says, appealing for drivers to think more when driving.
"The distances between our country communities are greater than in many other jurisdictions, and tragically we see bad decisions being made by people driving in the country," he said in a statement.
On country roads people travel at faster speeds, reducing reaction times and increasing stopping distances, Mr Papalia said.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"And when crash occurs, the impact on the human body is catastrophic."
A total of 193 people died on WA roads to December 29, 2016.
Mr Papalia says all drivers need to focus more on the roads.
"In 2016 the cause of crash has been confronting, speed relative to the circumstances, alcohol use, in-car distraction through use of mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts have all contributed to the carnage on our roads and casualties in ER," he said.
"While we can build safer and more forgiving roads and we can promote safer vehicles on our roads, ultimately it comes down to the occupants of the car."
