Reductions in transport mortality in Australia: Evidence of a public health success

Abstract

Objective: To describe trends in transport mortality for a range of common transport types in Australia over a 30-year period (1975-1977 to 2005-2007). Methods: Mortality data on all-cause and transport-related causes of death were supplied by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Mortality rates, expected number of deaths and probabilities of death were compared for three time periods: 1975-1977, 1990-1992 and 2005-2007. Results: There were significant decreasing trends between 1975-1977 and 2005-2007 in all-cause and most other transport mortality types for both men and women. There were significant reductions in the contribution of transport-related mortality to all-cause mortality; however the difference in mortality between men and women (higher for men) changed little over the evaluated period. Conclusions: Between 1975-1977 and 2005-2007 there were marked reductions in key causes of transport-related mortality amongst Australian adults, and the reductions in transport-related mortality exceeded reductions in all-cause mortality. The reductions could be attributed to better preventive measures and improved medical treatment for people involved in transport crashes. Although there is scope for further improvement, the reductions are evidence of a success in the prevention of crashes and the medical treatment of crash victims.