The Austroads in-depth case control study of motorcycle crashes in NSW : causal relationship findings

Abstract

Motorcyclists represent 16% of fatalities and 22% of serious casualties on Australian roads each year (ATC, 2011), with little change in casualty numbers over the last decade (Transport NSW, 2012). To develop effective countermeasures, there is a need for detailed understanding of risk factors influencing motorcycle crashes. In-depth investigation is the best method for collecting high levels of detail about crashes. The last Australian in-depth study occurred in 1997 (Haworth, 1997) and a number of significant motorcycle interventions have been implemented since that time (e.g., graduated licence schemes, numerous education and awareness campaigns). To identify risk factors for crashes emerging since then, the Australian road and transport agencies commissioned a new in-depth study of motorcycle crashes. The aims of this study were to: 1. Examine causal relationships between human, vehicle, road and other environmental factors and motorcyclists in serious injury crashes, and 2. examine the influence of the total system on the injuries sustained by seriously injured motorcyclists. This paper summarises the causal relationship findings from this study.