Leading causes road injuries and deaths : the fatal five
The Work-Related Traumatic Injury Fatalities report published in 2019 revealed that the leading cause of worker death that year were vehicle collisions . This not only includes cars and trucks but also aircraft , boats , loaders , tractors , and quad bikes .
In Australia , the leading causes of road trauma and car crashes are called the ‘ fatal five ’. These are driver behaviours that contribute significantly to injuries and fatalities on the road :
• Speeding . According to the National Road Safety Partnership Program ( NRSSP ), this is the largest single contributor to death on Australian roads accounting for 32 per cent of road fatalities . The Road Accident Research Unit of the University of Adelaide found that people are more likely to be involved in a casualty with every 5km / hr increase above 60km / hr .
• Fatigue . NRSPP states that 25 per cent of fatal crashes on roads involve tired drivers . Fatigue can severely impair drivers ’ reaction time and decision making especially in longhaul drives .
• Distraction . Distracted drivers are unsafe drivers . Some common driver distractions include looking at a phone , taking eyes off the road , being interrupted by noises , removing hands from wheel , and thinking about other things while driving .
• Failure to Wear a Seatbelt . ANCAP reports that in nearly 20 % of all fatalities on Australian roads , no seat belt was being worn . Seatbelts as one of the more critical passive safety features of any vehicle . While it cannot prevent crashes from happening , it can offer protection to car occupants in the event of a collision by managing the forces of impact .
• Intoxication . Whether it ’ s alcohol or prescription drugs , driving under the influence can pose a danger not only to drivers but to road users as well . Intoxication reduces a driver ’ s ability to judge distance and speed , can impair vision , and reduce their reaction time .
6 ISSUE 31 OCTOBER 2021 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU