By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM had experienced the second largest rise in traumatic injuries in Melbourne as a result of accidents on the municipality’s roads, according to the latest figures.
According to the Transport Accident Commission there were 152 serious injuries on Wyndham’s roads last year, a jump of 46 per cent from 2010’s total of 107.
The TAC defines serious injuries as claims involving an acute hospital admission, meaning the patient was admitted to hospital within seven days of an accident.
The 42 per cent rise was second only to Maribyrnong which had a 93 per cent increase to 104 serious injuries.
The TAC’s Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said the statistics were a reminder to all drivers,
young and old, to take care on the roads.
“These latest figures are a reminder that the road toll is not only about the tragic deaths, but also the thousands of people who are seriously injured on our roads each year,” Ms Dore said.
“All of us in the community need to take responsibility for helping reduce the road toll.”
Chair of the RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council, Jim Giddings, told Star the rise in serious injuries could be attributed to Wyndham’s over-crowded roads.
“I’m disappointed in the statistics but I’m not surprised considering the amount of frustration our drivers are experiencing on our arterial roads,” Mr Giddings said.
“Serious collisions could be greatly reduced by governments investing more in road infrastructure.”
