The main points for 1996: a) There were 52,383 recorded road traffic accidents in New South Wales during 1996 resulting in 26,610 casualties, of which 581 were killed and 6,077 were admitted to hospital; b) The estimated cost to the community of these road traffic accidents was $2,047 million; c) The number of persons killed was down by 39 (6%) on the previous year and was the equal lowest annual fatality total since 1949. A toll of 581 fatalities was also recorded in 1993. The number of persons injured was up by 66 (less than 1%); d) The number of drivers killed was the lowest since 1959 and represented a reduction of 17%, compared with the previous year; e) The average number of persons killed per fatal accident was the lowest since 1960; f) The intersection of Church Street en Victoria Road In Parramatta City was New South Wales' worst blackspot intersection, for the two-year period covering 1995 and 1996; g) Country roads accounted for 31% of all accidents, but 50% of fatal accidents and 45% of serious injury accidents; h) At least 17% of motor vehicle occupants killed and at least 5% of those seriously injured were not wearing available seat belts; i) At least 19% of the pedal cyclists who were killed or seriously injured were not wearing a helmet; j) Thirty-nine per cent of the pedestrians killed were aged 60 or more, although only 17% of the population is represented by people of this age; k) Amongst those accidents in which the alcohol involvement was known, alcohol was a contributing factor in 54% of fatal accidents on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, 21% of all fatal accidents, 15% of serious injury accidents and 7% of all accidents; l) Of the 554 motor vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders who were killed or seriously injured with an illegal blood alcohol concentration, nearly two-thirds (60%) were in the high range (0.15 g/100mL or more); m) Accidents which involved speeding represented at least 38% of fatal accidents, 19% of serious injury accidents and 14% of all accidents; and n) Fatigue was assessed as being involved in at least 16% of fatal accidents. (A)
Abstract