The number of persons killed per 100,000 population was 5.6. This is the second lowest since records were first compiled in 1908. There were 42,299 recorded road crashes in New South Wales during 2010. Of these, 19,336 were casualty crashes. There were 405 persons killed and 24,623 injured. The estimated cost to the community of these road crashes using the Willingness to Pay methodology was around $5,110 million. The number of persons killed was down by 48 (11%) on the previous year and was the second lowest annual fatality total since 1944. The 2010 fatality result represents the seventh annual decrease out of the last eight years since 2002. The number of persons injured in 2010 was up by 517 (2%) on the previous year but was still the fourth lowest annual injury total since 1962. The number of drivers killed was the lowest since 1957. The number of pedestrians killed was the equal second lowest since records began in 1928 and the number of pedestrians injured was the lowest since 1945. Country roads accounted for 34% of all crashes, but 68% of fatal crashes. At least 11% of motor vehicle occupants killed were not wearing available seat belts. One of the eleven pedal cyclists killed and at least 13% of those injured failed to wear a helmet. Thirty-one per cent of the pedestrians killed were aged 60 or more, although only 20% 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 51% of fatal crashes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, 19% of all fatal crashes, 7% of injury crashes and 5% of all crashes. At least 5% of all motor vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders who were killed or injured had an illegal blood alcohol concentration. Forty-four per cent of these casualties were in the high range (0.15 g/100mL or more). Crashes which involved speeding represented at least 40% of fatal crashes and 17% of all crashes. Twenty-two 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-nine per cent of all speeding drivers and motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were males aged 17-25. In contrast, only seven 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 15% of fatal crashes. Whilst there was an 11% decrease in fatal crashes during 2010, compared with 2009, there were several crash characteristics which decreased by more than the overall decrease. In particular, alcohol-related fatal crashes (down by 32%), fatigue-related fatal crashes (down by 26%), single vehicle fatal crashes (down by 24%), weekdays between 3 pm and 9 pm (down by 24%) and speeding-related fatal crashes (down by 20%). However, fatal crashes on wet roads increased by 19%. (Author/publisher)
Abstract