Monday, 11 September 2023
New research by Austroads demonstrates it is possible to collect robust national data about injuries caused by road crashes, filling a crucial information gap in the work to reduce road trauma in Australia.
This is the first time data on this scale has been collected at a national level. The breakthrough report has shown that it is feasible to link crash data to hospital data and analyse serious road injuries using a consistent method.
“I am enormously proud of this accomplishment,” said Austroads Chief Executive, Geoff Allan. “This report will result in significant public good. and make the road a safer place.”
“The report is a huge achievement,” said Austroads Road Safety and Design Program Manager, Michael Nieuwesteeg. “This is the first time such comprehensive data on serious injuries has been available in Australia. This data is crucial to track our progress in achieving the National Road Safety Strategy goal of reducing these injuries by thirty per cent over the decade to 2030.”
The dataset provides opportunities to investigate aspects of injury severity and the connection between crash characteristics and injury characteristics.
“The data comes from all jurisdictions in the country, except Western Australia,” said Michael. “This is the first time a project on this scale has been completed. And while Western Australia did not partake in this study, they have stated they will in the future. “
The responsibility for collecting road crash data is split between the Australian states and territories. To further complicate the task of collection, data is frequently held by different departments including transport, health and police.
Inconsistencies in the way each state and territory measure crashes and injuries make it difficult to study how and why crashes occur, where they occur, the injuries they cause and how jurisdictions can best prevent them.
Download the report: A National Approach to Developing Non-Fatal Crash Outcomes: Stage 2—An Australian Approach
Join us for a webinar on Tuesday 12 September 2023 with James Harrison and Associate Professor Angela Watson on the method used in Stage 2 of the project. The presenters will also provide a detailed overview of the project findings. There will be an opportunity to ask questions during the live session.
No charge, but registration is essential.
Can’t make the live session? Register and we’ll send you a link to the recording.