There were 49,266 recorded road crashes in New South Wales during 2003. Of these, 21,281 were casualty crashes. There were 539 persons killed and 27,208 injured. The estimated cost to the community of these road crashes was over $3,660 million. The number of persons killed was down by 22 (4%) on the previous year. The number of persons injured was down by 1,239 (4%) on the previous year. Country roads accounted for 32% of all crashes, but 60% of fatal crashes and 33% of injury crashes. At least 19% of motor vehicle occupants killed were not wearing available seat belts. One of the nine pedal cyclists killed and at least 22% of those injured failed to wear a helmet. Forty-seven 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 39% of fatal crashes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, 22% of all fatal crashes, 8% of injury crashes and 6% of all crashes. Of the 964 motor-vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders who were killed or injured with an illegal blood alcohol concentration, 49% were in the high range (0.15 g/100mL or more). Crashes which involved speeding represented at least 37% of fatal crashes and 17% of all crashes. Twenty-seven per cent of speeding drivers and motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were males aged 17-25. In contrast, only six per cent were females in the above age group. Twenty-five 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 14% 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