One of our truckies was killed on the weekend,
Great Northern goat track claimed him, almost on the border of Chittering Shire and New Norcia.
The road there is dodgy- there is no bluemetal in the tar, making it horribly slick, its a northbound downhill stretch, it was raining, and the 6 tonner he was driving had almost no weight on the tray.
He lost it, slid across the road, tipped onto its side, and a tree wiped out the cab just above the bull bar.
He left 7 kids behind.
I was supposed to be doing that run.
A tragedy. No doubt.
Counting your lucky stars and buying a lottery ticket tomorrow??
Sad.
I had a head on in the country a few years ago. Really let's you know that you have no control over your life.
The approaching vehicle drifted into my lane (lady driving was on medication) I swerved and we side swiped...she kept driving...I took out a road sign and ended up in the bush.
Lucky day for me...my car was a write off. Took me a longtime to be able to drive at night with vehicles driving towards me...I actually broke down the first time I did it but all good now.
Luckily I hit bushes and not a tree, the cop who attended presumed it was a fatal. I was going 80km in a 100 zone because I never really felt safe in the area. Very windy road plus a quarry nearby made he road lines difficult to see because of the dust on the road. I worry everyday now because loved ones drive along there daily. Really needs some money spent on it. I want my love ones to by a bullet proof merc or something but too money is an issue. I liken it to russian roulette.
Sometimes I find it best to drive to my feelings on conditions and I'm well aware that even driving to conditions you may make mistakes as we have all had a scare.
I nearly drove into the back of a vehicle during the recent rains when I skidded even though I'm cautious. Left shaken but wondering how a person with good motor skills, years driving, biking and running around could loose traction at such a low speed.
Condolences Stephen.
That road is a disgrace, the one road to the north carrying all the stuff for mining and major towns in Pilbara and it is the same width as the main street in my town of 1000. 
Sorry for your loss SN.
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I think defensive driving courses should be made mandatory in all states. I think, It will help people who do lose control or have to avoid something properly. May not help in every circumstance but will help in most others.
