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Two road deaths as Easter starts

Mitchell Freeway building as motorists head south. Picture: Sharon Smith/The West Australian

Two people have died in traffic crashes at the start of the Easter break.

As traffic increased out of the city, the State recorded two deaths, one in Collie and the other in Carnarvon.

A male teenager died in Carnarvon.

The Collie death ocurred after a car hit a tree.

In a third incident, the RAC Rescue helicopter took a man to Royal Perth Hospital after a truck rollover on Spencers Brook-York Road in York.

Earlier today, Main Roads Department reports congestion on several arterial roads leading on to Kwinana Freeway.

A multiple vehicle crash on Kwinana Freeway southbound just past the Narrows Bridge caused traffic to bank up from Hutton Street.

There was also significant congestion on the Kwinana Freeway southbound between Farrington Road and Roe Highway.

Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan yesterday launched Operation Crossroads and said he feared road users would again ignore causal factors they could control - speeding, seatbelts, alcohol and drugs, distraction, inattention and fatigue.

Six new unmarked motorcycles will join the traffic enforcement effort permanently from this Easter after a trial in December that caught more than 1400 motorists talking or texting on their phones.

"There are no new strategies really to stop people from killing themselves on the road," he said.

"In the end, the best progress we can make is drivers in WA taking responsibility and thinking about their driving this Easter."

St John Ambulance area manager of metropolitan operations Greg Crellin said last year they dealt with more than 50 motor vehicle accidents over Easter.

"Many people are intent on getting to their destination to relax but it's important to remember that the holiday starts with the car trip and motorists should not be complacent with the initial trip or the return journey," he said. "They need to check that their car and driver are in good condition.

"People don't think about the long-term effect of their decision. They don't realise their split- second decision can change their lives for ever and that's what we see with road trauma."