Around the world road trauma ranks as the leading cause of death and injury among tourists. The human suffering for victims of road trauma and their families is incalculable. In strict economic terms, the social costs associated with death and injury among tourists involved in road trauma in Australia impacts on our economy and image as `safe place to visit'. Australian governments strongly promote the benefits of visiting our country and the National Road Safety Action Plan for International Visitors 2004-2005 demonstrates Australia's commitment to international visitor road safety. Australia receives approximately 4.3 million international visitors each year, generating export earnings in excess of $17 billion. International visitor numbers are expected to grow by 10% per year leading to an 80% growth of 7.8 million by 2012. Thirty per cent of these visitors drive a vehicle while in Australia and all visitors participate in the road system as pedestrians, passengers or cyclists. Road safety is an important aspect of the international visitor holiday experience. Australia's growing economic reliance on tourism leaves no room for accepting visitor death or serious injury on our roads. The National Road Safety Action Plan for International Visitors 2004-2005 draws on the expertise of researchers and tourism, police and transport agencies and has been developed as a framework to guide improvements in road safety for international visitors while in Australia. The Action Plan has been adopted by the Australian Transport Council to complement the National Road Safety Strategy 2001-2010 and associated Action Plans. The Council comprises Federal, State and Territory ministers with transport responsibilities and includes an observer from local government. (Author/publisher)
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