The number of persons killed per 100,000 population was 6.3. This is the third lowest since records were first compiled in 1908. There were 42,952 recorded road crashes in New South Wales during 2009. Of these, 19,220 were casualty crashes. There were 453 persons killed and 24,106 injured. The estimated cost to the community of these road crashes using the willingness to pay methodology was around $5,340 million. The number of persons killed was up by 79 (21 %) on the previous year but was still the third lowest annual fatality total since 1945. The 2009 fatality result represents the first annual increase after a run of six consecutive decreases previously. The number of persons injured in 2009 was up by 58 (0.2%) on the previous year but was still the second lowest annual injury total since 1962. The number of motorcyclists killed was the highest since 2001, whilst the number of motorcyclists injured was the highest since 1990. Country roads accounted for 34% of all crashes, but 66% of fatal crashes. At least 21 % of motor vehicle occupants killed were not wearing available seat belts. Three of the thirteen pedal cyclists killed and at least 17% of those injured failed to wear a helmet. Forty-six per cent of the pedestrians killed were aged 60 or more, although only 19% 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 59% of fatal crashes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, 24% of all fatal crashes, 8% of injury crashes and 6% of all crashes. At least 6% of all motor vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders who were killed or injured had an illegal blood alcohol concentration. Forty-eight per cent of these casualties were in the high range (0.15 g/100mL or more). Crashes which involved speeding represented at least 45% of fatal crashes and 17% of all crashes. Twenty per cent of all drivers and motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were young persons aged 17-25, but this age group accounted for only 14% per cent of licence holders. Twenty-eight per cent of all speeding drivers and motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were males aged 17-25. In contrast, only two per cent of speeding drivers and motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were females in that age group. Fatigue was assessed as being involved in at least 18% of fatal crashes. Whilst there was a 16% increase in fatal crashes during 2009, compared with 2008, there were several crash characteristics which increased by more than the overall increase - in particular speed related fatal crashes (up by 28%), fatal crashes on two-way undivided roads (up by 27%), fatal crashes on country roads with a posted speed limit of 100 km/h or more (up by 35%) and fatal crashes on weekdays between 3pm and 9pm (up 45%). (Author/publisher)
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