driver-qualification-handbook-english

2Loss of quality of life – not being ableto do the things you want to do orcould do before the crash – is the nextbiggest cost at 21 per cent. Add to thatthe cost of lost ability to work (andearn money) and you start to see howthe effects of a crash ripple out intoyour life and the lives of others.Funeral costs are relatively cheap incomparison to the costs of beingpermanently disabled and not beingable to work, play sport or take care ofyourself. Research shows that a lot ofyoung drivers are more worried aboutbeing maimed, disfigured or disabledrather than dying.For all casualty crashes reported tothe police, only about one in every 50involves a fatality in NSW. While some of those injured will make a full recovery,many will never be the same again – physically or mentally. Road crashes cost a lotmore than just money and affect more than just the person who is killed or injured.Perhaps we all need to think about this when we get behind the wheel of a vehicle.Key points summary: Consequences of road crashes• Road crashes cost the community a lot of money.• Most crash casualties don’t die – only about one in 50 in NSW.– but many live with the physical and mental consequencesfor the rest of their lives.• Most costs goes to the long term care of injured people at 24 per cent.• Loss of quality of life is the next biggest cost at 21 per cent.Driver qualification handbook 31