Road deaths
Note: The data and text for this section is sourced in whole or in part from the following report: Ministry of Social Development (2008), Children and Young People: Indicators of Wellbeing in New Zealand 2008. Wellington: Ministry of Social Development.
Definition
The number of young people aged 15 to 24 killed in motor vehicle accidents (including pedestrian and cyclist deaths) per 100,000 population in this age group.
Relevance
Motor vehicle crashes are a major cause of premature death in young people aged 15 to 24. Deaths, injury and disability due to road accidents are a source of considerable pain and suffering to individuals, families and communities.
Current level and trends
The road death rate for young people aged 15 to 24 has fallen steadily over the past 20 years.
The latest five-year average annual road death rate was less than half the rate recorded in 1988-1992. In 1988 to 1992, there were 47.9 deaths per 100,000 young people aged 15 to 24, compared to 21.2 deaths per 100,000 population aged 15 to 24 in 2003 to 2007.
Five-year average annual road death rates (per 100,000 population), young people aged 15 to 24, 1988-2007
Source: Ministry of Transport; rates derived by the Ministry of Social Development.
