Latest TAC Data Shows Rise in Serious Injuries

12 Jun 2012

MEDIA RELEASE: 12 June 2012

The TAC is asking the Victorian community to work even harder to reduce road trauma, as the latest TAC statistics reveal a six per cent rise in serious injuries.

The figures are shown in the latest TAC Road Safety Statistical Summary*, outlining the latest serious injury data available in Victoria.
While in the long term, fatalities and serious injuries have dropped, the statistical summary shows that serious injuries over past three years are on the rise.

It shows that serious injuries in the 12 months to October 2011 are up six per cent, to 5,721, compared to 5,410 in the previous year and the five year average of 5,570.

Increases were particularly high in the 21-25 year old age group (16 per cent increase) and the 60-69 year olds (14 per cent up).
Among those in their early 20s, 738 people suffered serious injuries in the period, compared to 638 the previous year and up from a five year average of 724.

503 people aged 60-69 suffered serious injuries from road crashes, compared to 441 the year before. The five year average is 414.

The TAC's Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said the statistics were a reminder to all drivers, young and old, to take care on the roads.
"These latest figures are a reminder that the road toll is not only about the tragic deaths, but also the thousands of people who are seriously injured on our roads each year.

"All of us in the community need to take responsibility for helping reduce the road toll," Ms Dore said.

The latest TAC statistical summary also shows that:

• Casey had the highest number of serious injuries in the period (244), followed by Geelong (231), Melbourne (226), Greater Dandenong (216) and Yarra Ranges (199).
• In the latest data for the 12 months to the end of April 2012, Geelong had the highest number of fatalities (14), followed by Wangaratta, Moorabool, Cardinia and Brimbank, which all had 12 fatalities in the period.

For more information view the latest TAC statistical summary here (pdf).

*Serious injuries are described as TAC claims involving an acute hospital admission, meaning the patient was admitted to hospital within 7 days of the accident.