Holiday road toll hits eight
Eight people died in road crashes over the Christmas holiday period, which ended last night.
Despite a drop in the overall road toll last year with 164 deaths, the number of fatalities over the holiday period was the same as in the past two years.
The last fatality came on New Year's Day when a 46-year-old motorcyclist died after being thrown from his bike on the Tonkin Highway near Ascot.
There were also five crashes over the period resulting in serious injury.
WA Police used country roadblocks, double demerits, speed cameras and booze buses as part of its bid to reduce the road toll under Operation Crossroads.
Today, WA Police are expected to release the figures on the number of motorists caught drink-driving and breaking other road rules.
Road Safety Council chairman Murray Lampard said initiatives such as the double-demerit system, which were in force until midnight last night, encouraged drivers to take extra care on the road during the busy period.
"As we start to return to work and the year's schedules ahead, it is vital that we continue to take responsibility on the roads," Professor Lampard said.
"And as we commence 2014, we remember those people who were killed or injured on our roads in 2013 and also their families and friends who are still dealing with the grief and loss of their loved ones."
There were no reports of serious accidents yesterday as holidaymakers made their way back to Perth.
