Road Taruma

Australia’s Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) has revealed that road trauma costs the nation an estimated $27bn a year.

BITRE has undertaken a review of road trauma and noted that the cost is equivalent to 18% of total health expenditure and 1.8% of gross domestic product.

After analysing domestic and international road safety solutions, the BITRE review identified road investment as key to continuing the downward trend in fatalities at present.

The findings highlighted that the Australian Government’s record $50bn investment in infrastructure is set to considerably drive economic growth, while improving road safety.

The government’s $229m National Highway Upgrade Programme is expected to improve the country’s key national highway networks by funding the types of minor works recommended by existing report on road trauma.

"The Australian Government’s record $50bn investment in infrastructure is set to considerably drive economic growth, while improving road safety."

BITRE has also provided an additional $550m to the Roads to Recovery and Black Spot Programmes and the government claimed to have earmarked $2.6bn to be spent over a period of five years.

The BITRE review outcomes have also supported a major review of the National Road Safety Strategy and development of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2015-2017.

The Australian Government claims that there is a significant progress in its target to achieve 30% reduction in road casualties by 2020.

Australia’s national fatality numbers are 17.4% lower at present and the country is said to be on track to achieve its reduction target.

BITRE’s analysis has also confirmed that the gains have not flowed evenly to all road users with motorcyclists, pedal cyclists, older drivers and remote communities over-represented in the road toll.

Image: BITRE has provided an additional $550m to the Roads to Recovery and Black Spot Programmes. Photo: courtesy of twobee on FreeDigitalPhotos.net.