Trip characteristics of rural and remote crashes

Rates of fatalities and serious injuries are higher in rural and remote crashes and have been less responsive to road safety strategies.  In 2004 the research team began a study funded by Queensland Government to develop a close understanding of such crashes and to obtain data to inform targeted interventions.  The study aims to recruit all persons hospitalized in North Queensland after a road crash that occurred in a non-urban site in the region.

Data is collected from patient interviews on trip experience, behavioural and social variables and attitudes to road safety.  Location of crash, vehicle characteristics and medical and ambulance retrieval information are collected separately and linked to the data base.

The response rate has been high (80%+) and this paper reports on the first 150 cases.  It presents the crash trip experiences, driver characteristics including their self reported use of alcohol and other licit and illicit drugs.  Drivers? residential characteristics relative to crash site and type and other sociogeographical characteristics and the types and severity of injuries are also considered.