Stationary object crashes top the list

Collisions with stationary objects are the most common cause of South West traffic crashes, according to a car insurer’s survey.

The AAMI survey revealed more than 38 per cent of South West crashes were caused in that manner, well above the national average of 25 per cent.

The South West figure was also higher than the Statewide percentage and also that of southern WA.

Data from the AAMI Crash Index also revealed that nose-to-tail collisions, which caused the most crashes nationwide, was only the fifth most common cause in the South West.

Crashes where vehicles hit animals were the second most common factor, accounting for 21 per cent of South West crashes.

AAMI spokesman Jake Krausmann believed avoiding these crashes was a matter of driver focus.

“With more than a third of motor accidents involving a collision with things like trees, parked cars and street signs, it’s clear that drivers in WA’s southern regions need to focus their attention to being aware of their surroundings,” Mr Krausmann said.

“Wildlife is unpredictable and can appear out of nowhere, so it’s important to slow down and be aware of your environment, particularly inside sign-posted wildlife areas.”

The South West’s third and fourth most common crash causes were while reversing and failing to give way.