TAC Releases Latest Road Safety Statistics

16 Dec 2011

MEDIA RELEASE: 16 December, 2011

Men remain over-represented in road trauma, the latest Transport Accident Commission (TAC) statistics show.

The road safety statistics are analysed in the TAC's latest road safety report, available online.

The figures, for the 12 months to 31 October 2011, show that male drivers are over-represented in the road toll with 160% more men than women dying on our roads.

Despite a slight overall drop of 16% in male fatalities compared to last October, there were still 194 men killed on Victorian roads compared to 75 females.

TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said it was frustrating that men, and particularly young men, continued to take unnecessary risks on the road.

"It's frustrating and disappointing that we continue to target young men and some are not heeding the messages," Ms Dore said.

"TAC research regularly shows us that men don't believe speed cameras are effective and that speeding is okay, yet it is men who are more likely to be injured in collisions."

The figures also reveal that more men are involved in collisions that result in hospitalisation with 37% more men than women making TAC claims that involved hospital admission.

Other statistics include:

• Rural Victoria claims that involved hospital admission were down nine (from 1,787 to 1,778), while Metropolitan Melbourne were up 327 (from 3,461 to 3,778).
• Tram and train users involved in accidents that required hospital admission went up 69% from 16 to 27, well above the five year average of 15.
• Motorcycle fatalities were down 29% from 56 to 40.

More information about the road toll and daily statistical updates can be accessed at http://www.tacsafety.com.au/statistics