This paper provides an overview and economic evaluation of the major road safety programs in Australia from 1970 to 2000. The paper estimates that Australian governments currently spend about $600 million a year on road safety. There are also costs associated with restrictions on travel speeds and other behaviour. However, these safety programs are now saving about 1000 lives and 5000 hospital cases per annum. Depending on the discount rate employed, the paper estimates that road safety programs from 1970 to 2000 generated a net social benefit of between $3.0 billion and $5.0 billion. However, there was a net cost to government. The main beneficiary is the road user. This paper is based on a review of the benefits and costs of road safety programs carried out for the Department of Health and Aged Care. This was part of an overall economic evaluation of the public health programs for tobacco reduction, coronary health care, HIV/AIDS, immunisations and road trauma. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E205861.
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