There were 50,448 recorded road crashes in New South Wales during 2002. Of these, 22,299 were casualty crashes. There were 561 persons killed and 28,447 injured. The estimated cost to the community of these road crashes was $2,530 million. The number of persons killed was up by 37 (7%) on the previous year. The number of persons injured was down by 1,466 (5%) on the previous year. Country roads accounted for 32% of all crashes, but 61 % of fatal crashes and 33% of injury crashes. At least 21 % of motor vehicle occupants killed was not wearing available seat belts. Four of the 13 pedal cyclists killed and at least 19% of those injured failed to wear a helmet. Thirty-eight per cent of the pedestrians killed were aged 60 or more, although only 18% of the population is represented by people of this age. Amongst those crashes in which the alcohol involvement was known, alcohol was a contributing factor in 52% of fatal crashes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, 24% of all fatal crashes, 9% of injury crashes and 7% of all crashes. Of the 1,084 motor vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders who were killed or injured with an illegal blood alcohol concentration, 47% were in the high range (0.15 g/100mL or more). Crashes which involved speeding represented at least 44% of fatal crashes and 17% of all crashes. Twenty-nine per cent of speeding drivers and motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were males aged 17-25. In contrast, only five per cent were females in the above age group. Twenty-two per cent of all drivers and motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were aged 17-25. Fatigue was assessed as being involved in at least 19% of fatal crashes. Twenty per cent of the fatigued drivers and motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were males aged 40-49. (Author/publisher)
Abstract