Police are looking into the possibility that impairment and fatigue were factors in a fatal collision at Heathmere on Sunday morning.
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Police said a Mitsubishi Triton tray utility, which was being driven east, veered onto the wrong side of the Princes Highway and collided with an oncoming B-double about 4.30am.
The driver of the utility, who is still to be formally identified, died at the accident scene.
The 48-year-old Portland man, who was the sole occupant of the truck, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
He stopped at the accident scene and assisted police with their inquiries.
The circumstances surround the collision are still yet to be determined and the investigation remains ongoing.
South-west police road safety risk manager Senior Sergeant Chris Asenjo said that in all fatal collisions impairment and fatigue were factors considered by investigators.
"We just want to re-enforce the road safety message at this time of year, leading up to Christmas," he said.
"Think about it before you consume alcohol or drugs, don't drive when you normally sleep, plan your drive and be safe," he said.
Police are preparing a report for the Coroner.