Between 1998 and 2002, there were over 2800 road accidents in the City of Greater Geelong in which over 4000 people were injured in some way - an average of 560 accidents per year.
Among these accidents, 59 people were killed, and another 870 seriously injured - this equates to 12 people killed per year and 170 seriously injured. In 2002 alone 17 people were killed -
the highest road toll among all municipalities in the state.
We know from research that:
- driver error contributes to around 75% of accidents
- the road environment contributes to around 20%
- factors related to vehicles contribute to around 5%
Council together with VicRoads will continue to improve local
and arterial roads.
How can you help us reduce our road accidents
by 20% by 2007?
Motorcyclists
Amongst Geelong motorcyclists, the 18-25 age group (novice riders) makes up 30% of accidents, and the 30-39 age group (many returning to riding or taking it up for the first time) makes up 27%.
- Develop your skills safely as a new or returning rider-enrol in a rider training course
- Make sure your bike is roadworthy - around 40% of bikes in accidents are in poor or fair condition
- Slow down and stay under .05 -around 33% of accidents are single vehicle and are more likely to involve speed and alcohol
Alcohol and Accidents
Over 40% of Geelong's accidents occur in the early evening to early morning on weekdays, and mid afternoon to mid morning on weekends, when alcohol is more likely to be consumed. Around 1,000 people are booked for drink driving in the Geelong district each year - that's 1,000 too many. At .05 your risk of being involved in a road crash is doubled.
If you know you will be drinking:
- Appoint a designated driver
- Get a taxi
- Arrange for someone to come and collect you
- Stay overnight
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Fatigue
Fatigue is the major factor in 30% of severe single vehicle crashes in rural areas%u2014it can be as deadly as drink driving.
Fatigue related crashes are as common during mid-afternoon as at night.
- Pull over and take a powernap if feeling drowsy
- Avoid driving during normal sleep times
- Take regular breaks on long drives
