Every road crash is more than a headline. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community forever changed.
At Road Trauma Support WA (RTSWA), we witness the far-reaching impact of road trauma every day. It’s not just the person in the crash who is affected; it’s the loved ones left behind, the witnesses, first responders, and the wider community. That’s the ripple effect and it’s why we do what we do.
As we reflect on the past financial year, we’re proud to share how RTSWA has supported Western Australians navigating life after road trauma and why post-crash care matters more than ever.
Why Post-Crash Support Is So Important
In 2024, 188 people lost their lives on Western Australian roads and more than 1,400 were seriously injured. These aren’t just numbers, they represent real people with families, friends, and futures that have been irrevocably changed.
Regional WA remains significantly impacted, with over 60% of road deaths occurring outside the Perth metro area. While work continues to make our roads safer, the ongoing effects of crashes extend far beyond the crash itself.
This is why post-crash support is so vital.
What We Achieved in 2024–25
Supporting Individuals and Communities
Our counselling services offer a safe and trauma-informed space for people impacted by road trauma, whether the crash occurred recently or years ago. People come to us through many different pathways: emergency services, hospitals, workplaces, family, or by reaching out themselves.
No matter their experience, we offer a safe, non-judgmental space to talk, reflect, and begin to navigate a way forward.
Here’s how our support made a difference:
- Delivered 1,387 counselling sessions—a 61% increase from the previous year
- Provided trauma-informed support to 261 counselling clients, including 243 new clients.
- 84% of clients were satisfied with the availability of counselling sessions
- 82% felt the sessions helped them manage their concerns
Building Understanding and Awareness
We know that rebuilding after road trauma is strengthened by community understanding and education. That’s why we also focus on equipping others; emergency responders, health professionals, educators, and workplaces, to recognise the signs of trauma and know how to provide support.
That’s why we:
- Delivered 39 workshops and presentations across metro and regional WA
- Reached 537 professionals, including emergency responders, health workers, educators, insurance workers and allied health, through workshops and presentations.
- Developed 16 new resources to support individuals and workplaces navigating road trauma.
- Saw a 963% increase in online resource downloads, showing how many are seeking information and support.
After attending our training sessions:
- 100% of participants said they now know where to refer someone impacted by road trauma
- 94% felt more confident supporting those affected
- 99% were satisfied with the sessions they attended
Extending Our Reach
Beyond direct support and training, RTSWA continued to advocate and connect through:
- 18,761 community members reached via displays and events
- Travelled across Western Australia, visiting 18 regional towns
- 64 stakeholder meetings, including with emergency services, hospitals, community organisations, regional groups and professionals.
- 25 advocacy and influencing activities, including submissions, meetings with elected officials, and national conference presentations.
The Ripple Effect Is Real
When someone is injured or killed in a crash, the impact ripples through their family, friends, workplace and communities. We hear from parents who’ve lost children, survivors dealing with anxiety, and first responders grappling with what they’ve seen.
That’s why post-crash care is so important. It helps people feel heard, supported, and empowered to begin to rebuild and navigate a way forward while reminding them they are not alone.
Looking Ahead
The past year has been one of growth, not just in numbers, but in reach, impact and connection. We’re incredibly grateful to the individuals, families, professionals, and communities who continue to trust and support RTSWA.
As we head into a new financial year, our focus remains the same: to walk alongside anyone impacted by road trauma in WA, free from judgment, and for as long as they need. Because no one should have to navigate this journey alone.
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