Victoria is second most populous state in Australia, with 4.5m people and 3m registered vehicles. Transport Accident Commission is largest insurance organisation in Australia and delivers benefits and compensation to people injured in transport accidents irrespective of fault. Premiums are about A$255 annually (US$180). In 1989 there were 776 road fatalities. In early 1990, TAC provided the police with 13 mobile breath testing stations ("booze buses") which can test 1500 drivers per 8 hour shift. Five years ago, 1 in 255 drivers were above legal limit; today the figure is 1 in 700. Since 1992, TAC has allocated A$85m for improvements at 400 worst accident black spot. Advertising campaigns with a hard hitting message have been used since 1989. They have had a clear impact on driver attitudes. Young people have been identified as primary target; they are four times more likely to have a fatal or serious car accident than the rest of the population. From 776 in 1989, road deaths decreased to 378 in 1994 and serious injuries by 40%. Claims for compensation have dropped from 19,620 in 1989/90 to 15,969 in 1993/94. During past 5 years, TAC has invested A$145m in accident prevention. About 1800 lives have been saved, and payments by TAC have decreased by almost A$500m.
Samenvatting