August 12, 2024

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Introduction
The Western Australian rugby community is grieving the loss of Joseph Simpkins, 28, who tragically died in a car crash on Tonkin Highway near Perth Airport on Sunday morning. Simpkins was a popular figure in the local rugby scene, and his passing has left a profound impact on those who knew him.

Crash Overview
The accident occurred around 1:45 AM on Sunday, August 11th, 2024. Simpkins was driving a car that crashed into a roadside barrier on Tonkin Highway near Perth Airport.

Rugby Community’s Tribute
Simpkins’s death has sent shockwaves through the WA rugby fraternity. The Kalamunda Districts Rugby Union Club, where he played and coached, paid tribute to him on Facebook, remembering him as a “loyal” friend with an “infectious laugh” and an “amazing gift for bringing people together.” His loss has left a “biggest hole in the hearts of many.”

RugbyWA’s Response
RugbyWA expressed their deep sadness over the tragic event and announced plans to honor Simpkins’s service and memory in a fitting way. They are also committed to providing support and counseling to those affected by his passing.

Other Weekend Tragedies and Rising Road Toll
Simpkins was one of four people killed on WA roads over the weekend. A separate single-vehicle crash in Yalgoo claimed the lives of a 33-year-old mother, her nine-week-old baby boy, and a 21-year-old woman. WA’s road death toll for 2024 now stands at 114, the highest at this time of year in over a decade.

Call for Road Safety
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner emphasized the role of speed as the leading factor in road fatalities and called for a data-driven approach to address the issue. WA Premier Roger Cook echoed the sentiment, stating the importance of both infrastructure investment and responsible driving.

Conclusion
The tragic loss of Joseph Simpkins and others on WA roads underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures and responsible driving practices.