In 1969, car crashes killed over 1000 Victorians. By 2016, the fatality rate had been cut by 85%, and Victorians are now taking seriously the goal of eliminating death on the roads altogether. This extraordinary achievement is the product of sustained and ground-breaking approaches to preventing injury, saving lives, and optimising recovery. In 2001, the system to care for severely injured people received a major overhaul. The new Victorian State Trauma System halved the risk anyone injured would die, and became the envy of the world. From Roadside to Recovery is the story of the evolution, implementation, and impact of the Victorian State Trauma System, and those who championed it. This story shows what is possible when a community is determined to address the tragedy and cost of road trauma.
