Part of the RTA's core business is to provide the people of NSW with access to a safe and efficient road network. The RTA also has a commitment to Quality Assurance practices. Road accidents are "failures" of the road transport system. The intention of the road transport system is to enable people to travel safely and efficiently from origin to destination. An accident means that in that instance the system has failed to achieve those objectives. In 1993 there were 50,718 accidents recorded in NSW in which a casualty occurred or a vehicle was towed away. This was an average of about 140 towaway or casualty accidents per day. There is clearly potential for improvement in the quality of NSW's road transport system. A number of similar accidents can be avoided by developing and implementing appropriate countermeasures which are based on investigations of accidents. Road authorities also have a legal obligation to take due and reasonable care to ensure that the roads under their control are safe for road users. The identification and investigation of accident problems and the subsequent development of a suitable program of treatments is an appropriate way for the RTA to meet this obligation. With limited funds and resources available within the RTA, any funds or resources that are used should be directed to give the best value for money. This can best be achieved by listing remedial treatments in an appropriate order of economic benefit, so that the overall benefit is maximised for the funds available. The RTA currently undertakes a wide variety of disparate accident investigation and prevention activities. By implementing a structured, systematic process for accident investigation and prevention, the RTA can co-ordinate and focus these activities into an ongoing RTA program. Achieving that objective will require the development of a structured training course for RTA personnel. The program will ensure that the best use is made of accident data already available; ensure the best use of RTA resources (including improved staff skills) in undertaking accident investigation and prevention; and improve Regional and Corporate coordination, communication and interaction in accident investigation and prevention. The accident investigation and prevention program for the RTA provides a framework for co-ordinating corporate ·and regional activities in the investigation and treatment of accidents. It is an ongoing program encompassing a wide variety of activities aimed at: • identification of crash factors not currently identifiable • implementation of timely and cost effective treatments It is supported by a structured competency-based training course. It identifies, through a consistent reporting process, the benefits, costs and priorities for appropriate countermeasure programs. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting