[AlanHo]

During 2011 there were 1901 road fatalities in the UK. This is a shocking number - but there is a positive side to this figure - because it illustrates the dramatic improvement in road safety that has happened in the last 40 years and the last 80 years.

There was one fatality for every 280 vehicles in the road 80 years ago. It's now one fatality for every 17,800 vehicles.

As a result of controversial measures like the breathalyser and seat belts, and the improved safety of vehicles and junctions, the number of fatalities has dropped from a peak of around 8,000 40 years ago to below 2,000, even though the number of vehicles has shot up.

[Dazzler]

Yes Alan, one death on the roads is one death too many. When I was a kid we used to lose 120 or more per year in Tassie with a population of maybe 450,000. Now 40 years later that number is 40 or less in most years (with a population of over 500,000)

[AlanHo]

If our rspective figures are correct

UK has a fatality rate of      : 1 per 29,000 of total population

Tassie has a fatality rate of : 1 per 12,500 of total population

You figures are twice that of the UK. You obviously don't have anywhere near enough speed cameras, road humps, speed vigilantes, potholes and other speed limiting measures.

[baroudeur]

If our rspective figures are correct

UK has a fatality rate of      : 1 per 29,000 of total population

Tassie has a fatality rate of : 1 per 12,500 of total population

You figures are twice that of the UK. You obviously don't have anywhere near enough speed cameras, road humps, speed vigilantes, potholes and other speed limiting measures.

But a surfeit of careless drivers and pedestrians?

[Surferdude]

If our rspective figures are correct

UK has a fatality rate of      : 1 per 29,000 of total population

Tassie has a fatality rate of : 1 per 12,500 of total population

You figures are twice that of the UK. You obviously don't have anywhere near enough speed cameras, road humps, speed vigilantes, potholes and other speed limiting measures.

That's because they count heads. 

[Dazzler]

Actually it was only 24 last year but the average of the last few years is 46  (this year  is about 30 so far I think...)

http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/79899/Fatality_Calendar_Year_to_Date_31_December_2011.pdf

[tla]

I think a better statistic is the number of fatalities per distance traveled. 
Here is a comparison http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_traffic-related_death_rate

Based on the list, I wouldn't like to drive in the UAE.

[2i30s]

but in Australia we are already up to 30 deaths on our roads,just for the Christmas holiday period. 

[Phil №❶]

but in Australia we are already up to 30 deaths on our roads,just for the Christmas holiday period. 

That's a whole school class of people, whose lives are over 

[rustynutz]

While obviously these deaths are pretty devastating, looking on the bright side, there are at least some opportunities for others to continue living via organ donation. 

[Doggie 1]

If our rspective figures are correct

UK has a fatality rate of      : 1 per 29,000 of total population

Tassie has a fatality rate of : 1 per 12,500 of total population

You figures are twice that of the UK. You obviously don't have anywhere near enough speed cameras, road humps, speed vigilantes, potholes and other speed limiting measures.

That's because they count heads. 

 

[Doggie 1]

While obviously these deaths are pretty devastating, looking on the bright side, there are at least some opportunities for others to continue living via organ donation. 

That might be true if we had a good donation rate but the rate we have is terrible.
Hence the calls for an "opt out" system rather than the "opt in" system that we currently have.

[2i30s]

 

[FatBoy]

Are there any organ donors here?  I am and I made sure my family knows my wishes too.  It is important that your family knows because of the current procedures in Australia, if you are a willing donor and have even signed something to say that you are, and your family says "no" after you die, then the organs aren't donated.

[Doggie 1]

 

Which is why the opt out system would be better.

[rustynutz]

I'm a "potential" organ donor.... 

[Doggie 1]

I'm a "potential" organ donor.... 

OK. I'll ask.
Which organ would you care to donate Rusty? 

[rustynutz]

Mind out of the gutter, Dave...

The reason I'm a "potential" is because I haven't donated any yet and I have no intention of donating until after I'm dead. 

[2i30s]

Mind out of the gutter, Dave...

The reason I'm a "potential" is because I haven't donated any yet and I have no intention of donating until after I'm dead. 

possibly a trip to India,a few dollars to be made.   

[rustynutz]

I'll pass, Steve...

If I was gonna hand over a kidney I'd be giving it to my brother...

[Dazzler]

I'm an organ donor and Trish is aware of my wishes...

I would feel better if my organ donor card had a start date of say 2050 

[Phil №❶]

I haven't got anything worth donating

[rustynutz]

You just never know, Phil...

Due to the lack of donors they aren't overly fussy.... 

[Dazzler]

I haven't got anything worth donating

Don't feel bad I'm going to try and wear mine all out before they are donated (touch wood)   

[2i30s]

I'm going to suss it out,sign up.    well i wont need any of them when I'm gone. 

[2i30s]

I'll pass, Steve...

If I was gonna hand over a kidney I'd be giving it to my brother...

no offence intended Russ. 

[rustynutz]

None taken, mate...

[Phil №❶]

Watching the good work performed on RPA, certainly shows the value of organ donation. If there is anything of value they can have it, when my family agrees to it. They are aware of my wishes, but I won't have it on record.

[2i30s]

I'm going to suss it out,sign up.    well i wont need any of them when I'm gone. 

done,it took a few minutes to do,all your medicare card details is all they need. 

[rustynutz]

Good lad, now you're a "potential" donor like me...