The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) is urging all road users to take extra care this Easter long weekend, as new data reveals a rise in road trauma presentations.
The RMH has seen a 56 per cent increase in road trauma presentations over the Easter long weekend from 2020 to 2024, and a 67 per cent rise in major injuries.
Director of trauma at the RMH, Associate Professor David Read says long weekends are traditionally a high-risk time for road trauma, but over the last three to five years there has been an increase over the Easter period in particular.
“We often see an increase in road trauma presentations, particularly around Easter as more and more Victorians are out on the road,” said A/Prof Read.
“It’s not only car accidents or motorcycle incidents we’re seeing anymore, there’s also an increase in electric scooter presentations during this time.
“We are urging both drivers and riders to please slow down, wear seatbelts or helmets, and to avoid distractions. These simple actions can help save lives.”
Since the start of the year, the RMH has treated 437 patients for road trauma, including 152 with major injuries. The most common causes of road trauma are motor vehicle collisions (53 per cent), followed by motorcycle (19 per cent) and cycling incidents (14 per cent), while the average trauma patient is about 40 years old.
The RMH reminds Victorians taking to the roads this weekend to plan ahead, take regular breaks and to please stay safe.
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