A comparative study of road safety levels in the various Australian states and territories is described in this study. The first chapter reviews a number of models developed in various countries and in Australia linking road safety, generally expressed by the number of road fatalities, to socioeconomic variables. The second chapter looks at road safety trends in Australia and in a number of motorised countries during a period of twenty years since 1970. The fatality rate per unit population in Australia is now among the lowest in the world. The third chapter studies in greater detail the number of fatalities and serious casualties (hospitalised casualties) in the various states during l992. It also contains a brief comparison of trends since 1988. It was found that state capitals generally have lower fatality rates and it is suggested state comparisons be conducted after the separation of capital city data. In most categories of comparisons, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria have the lowest rates whilst New South Wales, Western Australia, and South Australia follow. Queensland has somewhat higher rates with Tasmania and Northern Territory having the highest rates. Chapter four contains a description and discussion on the organisation of road safety in the various states and a description of state road safety activities. (A)
Abstract