The latter figure corresponds to 1.5 deaths per 10,000 registered vehicles or 1.0 deaths per 100 million vehicle km travelled, both of those rates being comparable with the lowest recorded among motorised countries. During the same period, serious injuries dropped 36.9% (from 9356 to 5905). A review of countermeasures which have been shown to be associated with these reductions in deaths and serious injuries is undertaken. They include: (i) increased random breath testing, supported by publicity; (ii) new speed cameras, supported by publicity; (iii) bicycle helmet wearing law; (iv) lowering of the 110 km/h freeway speed limit; (v) improvements to the road system; and (vi) various other measures. The effect of the downturn in the economy and reduced alcohol sales over the same period is also considered. The contributions of each of the major countermeasures and other factors to the reductions in serious casualty crashes during each of the years: see IRRD abstract No. 861222.
Abstract