Whether you’re a driver, cyclist, pedestrian, or public transport user, staying safe on the roads should be everyone’s priority. Between 2015 and 2019, there were 33,117 hospitalisations in Western Australia due to transport-related injuries. In 2019 alone, there were 6,178 hospitalisations for transport, consuming an estimated 27,448 bed days and costing approximately $66,312, 705. Determinants that increase the risk of transport injuries include speeding, drink driving, road design, inattention and use of seatbelts and child car restraints.
Effective interventions to address these determinants such as road safety legislation, which helps determine the appropriate behaviour of road users and designing safe roads, including setting speed limits and creating safe pedestrian pathways, can significantly contribute to preventing transport-related injuries. For example, The Safe System has been adopted in Australia as a model for improving road safety. The Safe System focuses on improving road user behaviour and infrastructure, ensuring speed limits are appropriate for the road’s safety and vehicles’ safety features.
Encouraging the use of safer modes of transport, such as public transport, can help reduce congestion on the roads. Transperth’s Get On Board program offers education for people of all ages to encourage the safe use of public transport. Road safety campaigns can be effective in increasing the community’s awareness of road safety legislation and the consequences of not driving safely. Western Australia’s strategy for road safety for 2020-2030, “Driving Change”, includes campaigns as a key strategy towards achieving positive behaviours, road safety culture and, as a result, reducing the number of injuries on WA roads.
Reducing the incidence of road traffic crashes on WA roads requires individuals to action safe driving behaviours, including:
- Following WA road rules.
- Ensure all passengers are wearing seatbelts.
- Not driving if you are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Do not drive if you are tired.
- Removing potential distractions from your vehicle.
- Buying a safe vehicle.
- Regularly maintaining your vehicle.
- Being aware of the needs of other road users (i.e. pedestrians, cyclists and heavy vehicles).
The Know Injury Transport webpage provides a range of resources, fact sheets and infographics to raise awareness and promote safe practices for all types of transport users. Connect with organisations working towards safer roads in Western Australia and find the latest information on transport injuries to help identify areas of focus for prevention efforts.