Work-related traffic crashes: a record linkage study.

AIM

To examine the characteristics of work-related traffic crashes involving drivers in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

METHODS

Probabilistic data record linkage were used to merge police crash records and workers compensation data for the period 1998-2002.

RESULTS

The record linkage identified 13,124 drivers who were injured or died as a result of work-related traffic crash in New South Wales over the 5-year period. Approximately three quarters of driver casualties occurred during commuting (74.8%) with the rest occurring in the course of work. Male drivers made up around three quarters of these crashes and 93% of those that resulted in a fatality. Transport workers were the most frequent victims of work-related crashes while on duty (20.8%), with drivers of heavy trucks representing about half (48%) of all fatalities resulting from on duty work-related crashes. Nearly 1 in 6 male drivers were speeding at the time of the crash (15%, 95% CI 14.2-15.7) compared to less than 1 in 10 female drivers (9%, 95% CI 8.3-9.8) of female drivers. Male drivers were also significantly more likely to be fatigued at the time of the crash 7.6% (95% CI 7.0-8.2) compared to females 4.2% (95% CI 3.7-4.8). No significant difference was observed in the proportion of crashes involving fatigue between on duty and commuting traffic crashes.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates the value of record linkage techniques in addressing some of the limitations of work-related data systems and in providing a more complete picture of the circumstances of occupational road crashes.