This report presents annual counts and rates for fatal road crashes and fatalities. The focus is on the last ten years of data including calendar year 2013. Over the last decade (to 2013), national annual fatalities decreased by 25 per cent, fatalities per population decreased by 35 per cent, and annual fatal crashes decreased by 23 per cent. The decline in fatalities was weaker during the first half of the decade (9 per cent) but accelerated to 17 per cent over the last five years. All jurisdictions achieved reductions in the annual fatality rate per population over the decade. The strongest falls were seen in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. The trends are not uniform, but with the exception of Queensland and Tasmania, all jurisdictions have seen rates fall significantly over the last three years. The 65 years and over age group has the highest rate of annual fatalities per population. It accounts for 14 per cent of the population but 23 per cent of fatalities. The 17—25 years age group also has a significantly higher than average rate. The trend rate of decrease over the decade for the 17—25 age group however is strongest among all age groups at 8.2 per cent per annum. Counts of all types of fatal crash are decreasing. Single vehicle crashes (no pedestrian involved) currently account for 47 per cent of the total. Ten years ago the proportion was 44 per cent. Vehicle occupants (drivers or passengers) account for 64 per cent of all fatalities (down from 71 per cent ten years ago). Motorcyclist fatalities now account for 18 per cent of fatalities (up from 12 per cent ten years ago). Annual counts of fatal crashes involving articulated trucks have trended down at 3.5 per cent per year. The trend for heavy rigid involvement is a slightly weaker decline of 2.2 per cent per year. (Author/publisher)
Abstract