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 compencation 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 ail 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 7.61% (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 oil 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. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.