During 2006 the number of persons killed in road crashes in New South Wales per 100 million vehicle kilometres travelled' was 0.81. The number of persons killed per 100,000 population was 7.3. This is the lowest since records were first compiled in 1908. There were 45,528 recorded road crashes in New South Wales during 2006. Of these, 20,1 12 were casualty crashes. There were 496 persons killed and 25,439 injured. The estimated cost to the community of these road crashes was around $3,610 million. The number of persons killed was down by 12 (2%) on the previous year and was the lowest annual fatality total since 1945. The number of persons injured in 2006 was up by 230 (1 %) on the previous year. The number of pedestrians killed was the lowest since such records began in 1928. Country roads accounted for 32% of all crashes, but 65% of fatal crashes. At least 16% of motor vehicle occupants killed were not wearing available seat belts. Two of the seven pedal cyclists killed and at least 20% of those injured failed to wear a helmet. Forty-four 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 54% of fatal crashes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, 25% 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. More than 44% 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-five 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 15% per cent of licence holders. One third of all speeding drivers and motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were males aged 17-25. In contrast, only six 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. Thirty-three per cent of the fatigued drivers and motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were males aged 40 years or more. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting