Safety of people travelling outside vehicles - deep dive review

During 2020-21, ViaStrada was commissioned by Auckland Transport to carry out a wide-ranging investigation into the extent, nature and causes of serious harm to people travelling outside vehicles in Auckland, i.e. people walking, biking, motorcycling and using other wheeled devices like skateboards and e-scooters. Led by Glen Koorey, the in-depth study analysed various available safety and exposure data sources (including Police CAS crash, ACC injury claims, and hospital admission data) and reviewed local and international literature on the topic. 

Analysis of hospital data identified a large number of “slip, trip, fall” injuries by people walking that appear to be due to environmental issues such as uneven paths, slippery/wet surfaces, tree roots, kerbs, traffic control devices (e.g. bollards and signs) and the like. In urban areas, the data would suggest that improving road and path quality and maintenance would greatly reduce the trauma from pedestrian-only injuries. A focus on improving urban arterial corridors (in terms of speed management, better crossing facilities, and better facilities along the routes) would also address many problems identified there.

Following the initial scoping study, further work was requested by the Client to explore further detailed aspects of hospital and ACC data (including causation mechanisms), identify areas in Auckland more susceptible to user-only serious injuries, and calculate relevant under-reporting factors. The work highlighted the significant under-reporting of many injuries not involving motor vehicles, often due to slips, trips and falls. The resulting report and presentation provided evidence needed to support leadership positions to make changes on this important safety issue.