Two crash types occurring in the Perth metropolitan area 2005-2009 were selected for analysis:
- Vehicles running off the road and crashing into an object or involved in a non-collision (rolling over) (n=12,843).
- Vehicles running off the road and colliding with a pedestrian off carriageway (n=18).
The research found:
- Single vehicle run off road crashes in the metropolitan area accounted for nearly six in ten crashes of this type across WA.
- Compared with the regional and remote areas of WA, two to 3.5 times as many single vehicle run off road crashes occur in the metropolitan area. However, when the injury severity of these crashes is considered, this factor is reduced to 1.8 to 2.3 times.
- Risk factors for crashes were higher speed zones and curves, younger age, being male and alcohol.
- Factors that reduce crashes, include braking and crash avoidance technology in vehicles and lower speed zones.
The research recommended:
- Incentivising buying safe vehicles with technologies to minimise run off road crashes.
- Reducing vehicle speeds.
- Identifying black spots and using counter-measures such as audio-tactile edge lining, creating clear zones and clearing roadside hazards, improved curve alignment, improved lighting and the use of barriers.
Road safety benefit:
This research has provided visibility into the risk factors associated with single vehicle run off road crashes in WA. Furthermore, it has made locally appropriate recommendations to the criteria and process supporting the identification of high risk road lengths in the future as well as suggestions to improve the system that supports WA drivers (i.e reduced travel speeds on specific routes, incentivising purchase of safer vehicles and ongoing investment in programs that support safe roads and roadsides).
