Two separate truck rollovers on Great Southern Highway spark calls for caution as harvest ramps up

Two road train rollovers on Great Southern Highway last week have prompted calls from local police for extra care on the roads as harvest gets under way across the region.

A road train rolled on the Great Southern Highway in Wansbrough, between Cranbrook and Tambellup, on Tuesday last week.

Emergency services arrived about 10.40am. The driver was reportedly unharmed but shaken by the incident. The crash blocked both lanes between Pootenup Road and Chistenilli Road. This was followed on Friday by another truck rollover within the Broomehill townsite.

According to witnesses, the truck was travelling south on Great Southern Highway before rolling on to its right side.

Katanning Police Senior Sergeant Carlos Correia issued a safety message about the increased risks drivers faced during harvest.

“Harvest time is going to be very busy given reports this is going to be a bumper season. There are going to be a lot more heavy vehicles on our roads. Take your time going places and make sure you get there safely. We don’t want any more fatalities.”

Sen. Sgt Correia said it was a timely reminder for drivers.

“With heavy vehicles on the road, sometimes people get caught up on whether they do or don’t overtake. The message is overtake when it is safe to do so, don’t take any chances. We do have people who want to get places quickly, they get frustrated and lose patience — but they need to have that patience for the farmers at this time of year.”