This report summarises the findings of the case-control study of fatal single-vehicle crashes. The cases in the study were fatal single-vehicle crashes (or crash trips) which occurred during the period from 1 December 1995 to 30 November 1996 within 200 km of Melbourne. The cases have location, driver/rider and vehicle characteristics. The controls were (non-crash) trips which also have location, driver/rider and vehicle characteristics. The most important risk factors, in terms of magnitude of the odds ratio and fraction of the crashes involved were: alcohol and cannabis, younger drivers, and older drivers. The major factors contributing to the severity of fatal single vehicle crashes were: trees and poles, not wearing seat belts and pre-1978 vehicles. A number of possible improvements to procedures for the investigation of serious injury crashes are recommended. (A)
Abstract