During 2007 the number of persons killed in road crashes in New South Wales per 100 million vehicle kilometres travelled' was 0.69. The number of persons killed per 100,000 population was 6 .3. This is the lowest since records were first compiled in 1908. There were 45,395 recorded road crashes in New South Wales during 2007. Of these, 20,319 were casualty crashes. There were 435 persons killed and 25,845 injured. The estimated cost to the community of these road crashes was around $4,410 million. The number of persons killed was down by 61 (I 2%) on the previous year and was the lowest annual fatality total since 1945. The number of persons injured in 2007 was up by 406 (2%) on the previous year. The number of pedestrians killed was the lowest since such records began in 1928. The number of passengers killed was the lowest since such records began in 1939. Country roads accounted for 32 % of all crashes, but 67% of fatal crashes. At least 16% of motor vehicle occupants killed were not wearing available seat belts. Four of the fourteen pedal cyclists killed and at least 17% of those injured failed to wear a helmet. Thirty-five 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. Forty-seven per cent of these casualties were in the high range (0.15 g/100mL or more). Crashes which involved speeding represented at least 32 % of fatal crashes and 16% 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 15% per cent of licence holders. More than a quarter of all speeding drivers and motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were males aged 17-25. In contrast, only four 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 20% of fatal crashes. Thirty-one per cent of the fatigued drivers and motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were males aged 40 years or more. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting