If you’re wondering which Australian state cops the most car accidents, you’re not alone, it’s a fair dinkum question that affects all of us on the roads. New South Wales (NSW) consistently records the highest number of car accidents in Australia, primarily due to its larger population and heavier traffic volumes compared to other states.
But here’s the thing: raw numbers don’t tell the whole story. While NSW leads in total accidents, Western Australia faces unique challenges with its vast regional road networks, where fatigue and speeding on long stretches of highway contribute significantly to the state’s road toll. In 2023, Victoria recorded 275 road deaths, Queensland saw 282, and Western Australia had 175 fatalities, each reflecting different risk factors from urban congestion to remote driving conditions.
The quick answer: NSW has the most car accidents overall, but when you look at fatality rates per 100,000 people, smaller states and territories like the Northern Territory actually face higher risks relative to their population size.
Understanding these statistics isn’t just about numbers, it’s about keeping ourselves and our mates safe on Australian roads. Whether you’re driving through Perth’s suburbs or tackling the long haul across the Nullarbor, knowing what contributes to accidents in your state helps you make smarter, safer decisions behind the wheel. Let’s dive into what’s really happening on our roads and how we can all do our bit to bring these numbers down.
States with the Most Car Collisions in Australia
Australia is grappling with a worrying rise in road collisions, with a 3.2% increase in road fatalities compared to the previous year. This translates to 37 more tragic deaths, posing a significant challenge to the nation’s commitment to reducing road fatalities by nearly half by 2030. These figures highlight the critical need for continued focus on road safety measures across the country.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) reports notable increases in car collisions and road deaths in key states such as Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, and South Australia. These states have seen a marked rise in accident rates, reflecting a complex mix of factors, including higher traffic volumes, regional road conditions, and driving behaviours. Only one region, the Australian Capital Territory, is currently on track to meet the national road safety objectives.
In Western Australia, authorities face unique challenges. The state’s vast distances, regional highways, and mining industry contribute to increased risks on the road. Long driving stretches, particularly in rural and remote areas, often result in driver fatigue and speeding, both significant contributors to road accidents. To counter this, Western Australia has implemented targeted safety campaigns, such as the ‘Towards Zero’ initiative, which aims to address road fatalities and injuries through stricter enforcement of road laws, improved road infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns.
Australia’s Transport Infrastructure: Economic Contributions and Societal Impact
Australia’s transport infrastructure plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, facilitating connectivity, and influencing societal outcomes. A detailed analysis of this sector sheds light on its significant economic contributions, leadership dynamics, and the disparities in gender representation within leadership positions.
Economic Contributions
Since 1974–75, Australia’s transport, postal, and warehousing industries have contributed between 4–5% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). When considering broader infrastructure sectors, their overall contribution to GDP has consistently ranged between 9–10%. These figures highlight the enduring importance of infrastructure, particularly transport, in sustaining Australia’s economic momentum. Efficient transport networks support trade, business operations, and everyday travel, forming the backbone of the nation’s logistics and movement.
Earnings and Price Indices
Average weekly earnings in the transport industry have shown steady growth across various modes of transportation, including road, rail, water, air, and space sectors. This growth reflects ongoing investment in the sector and a recognition of the skilled workforce necessary to maintain and operate Australia’s vast transport infrastructure. Rail transport, in particular, has seen rising wages due to its critical role in freight and passenger services across the country’s vast distances.
Population and Demographics
Australia’s population distribution plays a crucial role in shaping transport infrastructure. Population data is often broken down by state and territory, as well as capital city versus regional populations. The concentration of populations in capital cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth demands robust public transport systems, while regional and rural areas require infrastructure investments to improve connectivity and accessibility. This geographic spread underscores the need for tailored transport solutions that meet the diverse needs of Australia’s urban and remote communities.
Leadership and Employment Patterns
One of the challenges facing the transport infrastructure sector is the imbalance in gender representation among leadership positions. While the sector provides substantial employment opportunities, especially in manual and technical roles, women remain underrepresented in higher-level leadership positions. Addressing this imbalance could bring broader perspectives and innovative approaches to the sector, potentially driving even stronger economic and social outcomes.
As Australia continues to expand and modernise its transport infrastructure, the sector’s influence on the economy, society, and employment patterns will remain a key area of focus. Efforts to address gender disparities in leadership, coupled with ongoing investment in infrastructure development, are crucial to ensuring the sector’s continued success and resilience.
Road Deaths in Australia: Trends from 2019 to 2023
The Australian Road Deaths Database (ARDD), managed by the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE), serves as a crucial repository for understanding road death statistics across Australia. The database collects detailed data on road fatalities from monthly reports provided by police to the State and Territory Road Safety Authorities. This comprehensive data offers valuable insights into road safety trends, regional variations, and the effectiveness of road safety measures.
Road Death Statistics by State (2023)
The latest data from 2023 reveals stark differences in road death numbers across Australia’s states and territories. Larger states with denser populations, such as Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia, continue to record higher numbers of fatalities:
- Victoria: 275 road deaths
- Queensland: 282 road deaths
- Western Australia: 175 road deaths
These numbers reflect the complex dynamics of traffic volumes, road conditions, and enforcement practices. Urban centres in these states tend to experience higher accident rates due to congestion, while rural and remote areas present unique challenges such as speeding, fatigue, and longer emergency response times.
Lower Road Death Figures in Smaller Regions
In contrast, smaller states and territories recorded notably lower figures in 2023:
- South Australia: 99 road deaths
- Tasmania: 35 road deaths
- Northern Territory: 23 road deaths
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): 11 road deaths
While these regions have fewer road deaths, the lower figures often reflect smaller populations and traffic volumes rather than inherently safer roads. For example, the Northern Territory, with its vast, sparsely populated areas and high-speed limits on certain highways, faces unique risks despite the lower total fatalities.
Trends and Implications (2019-2023)
The road death trends over the last five years highlight fluctuations that vary by state. While there have been efforts to reduce fatalities through road safety campaigns, infrastructure improvements, and stricter enforcement of road laws, certain factors such as increased road traffic, economic activity, and changing driver behaviours influence these numbers.
Western Australia, in particular, faces specific challenges due to its vast geography, including long-distance highways and heavy reliance on road transport, contributing to its relatively high fatality rate. In response, the state government has implemented measures such as increased penalties for speeding, public awareness campaigns on fatigue, and enhancements in road safety infrastructure, especially in remote areas.
Focus on Safety
Understanding these statistics is essential for policymakers, road safety authorities, and drivers alike. With the national goal of reducing road deaths, targeted interventions in high-risk areas and continuous education on safe driving practices are crucial. Western Australia and other states must continue addressing key issues such as driver behaviour, road infrastructure, and emergency response times to achieve sustainable reductions in road fatalities.
The ARDD continues to provide valuable data that enables evidence-based decision-making, ensuring that Australia can move closer to its long-term road safety objectives and save lives across all regions.
Comprehensive Analysis of Road Fatalities in Australia
A detailed examination of road fatalities across Australia reveals crucial insights into the patterns and trends of road deaths over recent years. The statistics, derived from the Australian Road Deaths Database (ARDD), provide a clear view of fatality rates by jurisdiction, road user groups, and crash characteristics, aiding policymakers and road safety advocates in addressing the key factors behind these tragedies.
Deaths by Jurisdiction
Australia’s states and territories show significant variations in road deaths. Monthly tracking of fatalities allows for a real-time understanding of how these figures evolve across regions. Larger states like New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland continue to report the highest road death numbers due to their larger populations and higher traffic volumes. Western Australia also faces challenges, with rural and remote road deaths contributing to its toll.
In contrast, smaller states and territories such as Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory record lower numbers of fatalities. However, this does not necessarily indicate safer road conditions, as these regions often deal with different risk factors such as isolated roads and fewer resources for emergency responses.
Annual Deaths and Fatality Rates
A critical measure for comparing road safety across jurisdictions is the fatality rate per 100,000 people. This rate accounts for population differences and provides a more balanced view of road safety across states. In densely populated states like Victoria and New South Wales, the fatality rate may be lower despite higher absolute numbers of deaths due to their large populations.
Conversely, in regions with smaller populations like the Northern Territory and Tasmania, even a modest number of deaths can result in higher fatality rates. The fatality rate provides essential context when assessing the effectiveness of road safety measures in each jurisdiction and comparing across Australia.
Fatalities by Road User Group
A breakdown of road fatalities by road user group sheds light on which individuals are most vulnerable. The document categorises fatalities by operators (drivers), passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists, showing how these groups are affected by road conditions, driving behaviours, and enforcement.
In recent years, motorcyclists and pedestrians have emerged as particularly vulnerable groups, with motorcyclists facing high risks due to less protection compared to drivers and passengers. Pedestrian deaths often occur in urban areas, where traffic congestion and driver awareness play a role. Cyclists, while generally fewer in number, are also at significant risk, especially in regions with less-developed cycling infrastructure.
Crash Characteristics
Understanding the nature of fatal crashes helps identify the circumstances leading to road deaths. Analysis of the data reveals key details, such as the proportion of single-vehicle versus multiple-vehicle crashes. Single-vehicle crashes, often associated with speeding, fatigue, or driving under the influence, are a significant contributor to road fatalities, particularly in rural and remote areas like Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Another important factor is the posted speed limit at the time of the crash. Crashes occurring on roads with higher speed limits are more likely to result in fatalities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as speed limit reductions and increased enforcement in high-risk areas.
Comparing Car Accident Rates State by State in Australia
Australia has witnessed notable fluctuations in road fatalities across its states and territories in 2022, revealing concerning trends and areas where road safety measures must be strengthened. This comparative analysis examines road deaths by state, highlighting the variation in accident rates, causes, and affected demographics.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
From January to July 1, 2022, the ACT recorded 10 road fatalities, surpassing the five-year annual average in just six months. This sharp rise follows 11 deaths in the entirety of 2021, indicating a worrying trend that could lead to another consecutive year of increasing road fatalities. Despite being the smallest jurisdiction, this increase underscores the need for immediate road safety interventions in the territory.
Western Australia (WA)
By July 1, 2022, Western Australia reported 71 road deaths, a decrease from 85 in the same period in 2021. Despite this reduction, road fatalities in regional areas accounted for 50 of these deaths, while urban areas saw 21 fatalities. Both figures marked declines compared to the previous year, where regional deaths were at 56 and urban deaths at 29. While this reduction is a positive step, regional WA continues to face challenges due to its expansive, often isolated road networks, where speed and fatigue are common factors.
New South Wales (NSW)
As of June 30, 2022, New South Wales recorded 157 road fatalities, 16 more than the previous year and above the three-year average from 2019-2021. Rural roads were particularly deadly, contributing to the increase, while metropolitan fatality rates remained stable. Older road users, particularly those over 70, were disproportionately affected, followed by individuals in their 50s and 60s. This indicates a growing need for targeted safety campaigns for elderly drivers and improved safety on rural roads.
Victoria
By the end of June 2022, Victoria experienced 126 road fatalities, 19 more than the previous year. The increase was particularly marked among bicyclists, pedestrians, and passengers, despite a slight drop in driver deaths. Alarmingly, deaths in the 18-20 age group surged by over 300%, signalling a critical need for enhanced road safety education and enforcement for young drivers. Additionally, fatalities rose in small towns, rural roads, and Melbourne’s urban areas, reflecting a broad-based increase across the state.
South Australia (SA)
As of June 29, 2022, South Australia reported a decrease in road fatalities to 39, down from the previous year. However, light vehicle operators and motorcyclists accounted for a large proportion of deaths. The 40-49 age group was the most affected, followed by teenagers. A significant majority of these fatalities occurred on rural roads, where speeding and driver fatigue remain critical issues. Males represented over 85% of the deceased, highlighting gender disparities in road fatalities.
Queensland
By June 26, 2022, Queensland recorded 151 road deaths, an increase from the previous year, exceeding the five-year average. The majority of fatalities involved vehicle operators, while pedestrian deaths also saw an uptick. The continued rise in road fatalities calls for further emphasis on road safety, particularly in urban areas where congestion and pedestrian risks are higher.
Northern Territory (NT)
By May 25, 2022, the Northern Territory saw 26 road fatalities, exceeding both the first half of 2021 and the five-year average. The months of February and May were particularly deadly, with speeding contributing to 10 deaths and seatbelt non-compliance responsible for at least seven fatalities. These figures underscore the unique challenges faced by the NT, where long stretches of high-speed roads and low compliance with safety measures create dangerous driving conditions.
Tasmania
As of May 11, 2022, Tasmania reported 26 road deaths, more than double the figure from the same period in 2021. This sharp increase points to an urgent need for enhanced road safety measures across the island state, where fatalities often occur in rural areas. Without intervention, Tasmania risks surpassing its total road fatalities from 2021, highlighting the need for campaigns focused on driver behaviour, particularly on high-speed rural roads.
Road Congestion and Fatality Rates in Australia: A Growing Concern
Australia’s road congestion and rising road fatalities have become pressing issues for policymakers, motorists, and urban planners alike. A review of recent reports highlights the dual challenges of worsening traffic congestion in major cities like Melbourne and a concerning uptick in road fatalities, despite national efforts to improve safety and reduce accidents.
Road Congestion in Australia
The AAA Road Congestion in Australia Report (2018) paints a detailed picture of the increasing burden of traffic congestion across Australian cities, with Melbourne standing out as a particularly impacted area. Congestion levels have worsened between 2013 and 2018, creating significant economic and environmental challenges. With prolonged traffic delays, fuel consumption increases, adding to pollution and placing a strain on both commuters and the city’s infrastructure. Moreover, congestion contributes to road safety concerns as frustrated drivers may engage in risky behaviours like speeding or distracted driving.
Addressing congestion requires a multifaceted approach, including improving public transport, investing in better road infrastructure, and leveraging technology to optimise traffic flow. Cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth also face similar congestion challenges, and without significant intervention, the social and economic costs will continue to rise.
Australia vs. Other OECD Countries: Road Fatalities
When comparing Australia’s road fatality rates to other OECD countries, Australia ranks 20th, with a fatality rate of 4.26 deaths per 100,000 people. This is a moderate result, reflecting both progress and room for improvement in road safety.
In contrast, New Zealand ranks as the 7th least safe with a road fatality rate of 6.01 per 100,000 people, showing significant potential for better road safety measures. Canada falls in the middle with a rate of 4.59, while Ireland (2.96) and the United Kingdom (2.26) showcase strong improvements and effective road safety interventions over the last two decades. The UK’s consistent drop in road fatalities highlights the success of long-term safety campaigns, better road infrastructure, and enforcement of driving laws.
Australia’s Road Fatality Rate Increase
Despite progress made in road safety, Australia has seen a 3.2% increase in road fatalities over the past year, recording 1,205 deaths in the year leading up to June 30, 2023. This rise represents 37 more fatalities compared to the previous year, highlighting setbacks in meeting the national objective of halving road deaths by 2030.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) identifies key regions where the rise in fatalities has been most significant, including Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, and South Australia. These states are experiencing challenges in both rural and urban areas. Only one territory is currently on track to meet the National Road Safety Strategy’s ambitious goals.
Challenges in Data Collection and Safety Measures
A key issue complicating Australia’s road safety strategy is the lack of comprehensive injury and fatality site data. This shortfall hinders the ability to pinpoint hazard-prone areas and craft targeted strategies to reduce fatalities. With incomplete data on the specifics of road crashes and their locations, identifying and mitigating risks becomes much harder. The AAA’s findings call for improved data collection processes to ensure more effective road safety interventions.
Safety Driving Measures: A Guide to Keeping Australia’s Roads Safe
Road safety is a shared responsibility that demands all drivers to be aware of the rules, drive cautiously, and show courtesy to others on the road. Implementing safety measures can drastically reduce the risk of accidents and save lives. Here’s a closer look at key safety practices every driver should follow.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most significant contributors to road accidents. When you exceed the speed limit, your ability to maneuver decreases, and the time needed to react to hazards diminishes. Moreover, the stopping distance increases, making collisions more likely and severe. Driving within the speed limit is essential to ensure that you have enough time and space to stop safely and avoid accidents.
Seatbelts
Wearing a seatbelt is a simple but crucial safety measure. Seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash. In Australia, it is illegal for both drivers and passengers to travel in a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt. Failing to wear one could lead to fines, legal consequences, and, more importantly, increased risk of injury.
Driving to the Conditions
Road conditions vary depending on factors such as weather, road surface, and visibility. Whether it’s wet weather, fog, snow, or ice, drivers should adjust their speed and driving style to match these conditions. Slowing down and increasing the distance between vehicles in poor conditions will give you more time to react and reduce the risk of losing control of the vehicle.
Alcohol and Drug-Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgement, reaction time, and coordination. In Australia, while legal limits exist for blood alcohol concentration (BAC), it is illegal to have any traces of illicit drugs in your system while driving. Always plan ahead—use public transport, a designated driver, or rideshare services if you’ve consumed alcohol or drugs.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents on Australian roads. Using a phone, eating, or adjusting the GPS can take your focus off the road. Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a serious collision. Make sure to eliminate distractions and stay fully focused when driving.
Anti-Social Driving Behaviours
Dangerous driving behaviours, such as speeding, tailgating, performing burnouts, or participating in street races, are not only reckless but also pose a significant danger to others. These aggressive actions can lead to accidents, injury, and even fatalities. Anti-social driving is illegal and should be reported to authorities if witnessed.
Driver Fatigue
Fatigue can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Long trips or lack of sleep impair reaction times and concentration. To avoid fatigue-related accidents, take regular breaks on long trips and avoid driving if you are feeling tired or have had limited sleep.
Traffic Controls
Adhering to traffic controls such as traffic lights, signs, road markings, and roundabouts is essential for maintaining road order and safety. These controls are in place to prevent accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow. Disregarding them can lead to dangerous situations and collisions.
Why Do Males Engage in Riskier Driving Behaviour?
Research shows that males are generally more prone to risky driving behaviours compared to females. Several factors contribute to this trend, including differing perceptions of risk, a lower anticipation of harm, and a tendency to attribute accidents to bad luck rather than personal decisions.
Studies, such as those conducted by the University of Queensland, reveal that young males are more likely to engage in aggressive driving, including speeding and tailgating, resulting in higher rates of car crashes compared to females.
Theories suggest that males, particularly younger drivers, are less likely to foresee the emotional or physical consequences of their actions. On the other hand, females tend to assign a higher likelihood to negative outcomes and believe they would be more emotionally distressed by these events, leading them to engage in safer driving practices.
How Can We Lower the Car Crash Risk for Young Drivers?
Reducing car crash risks among young drivers is crucial for improving road safety. Young motorists, due to their limited driving experience and developing skills, are particularly vulnerable to accidents. By focusing on enhancing their skills, education, and experience, we can effectively decrease the high fatality and crash rates associated with this group.
Enhancing Driving Skills and Accumulating Experience
One of the most effective strategies for reducing crash risks is providing young drivers with comprehensive driving education and allowing them to gain experience in a controlled and supportive environment. Novice drivers often struggle with multi-tasking while driving, such as managing their vehicle and monitoring the actions of other drivers. As they gain experience, they can perform these tasks with less mental exertion, allowing them to focus on the bigger picture, such as anticipating hazards and responding to road conditions.
Pre-License Training Programs
Pre-license training programs, such as those recommended by the RACV, are invaluable for preparing young drivers. These programs focus on safe driving techniques, road law knowledge, and practical in-car experience. Learner drivers who participate in these programs are more likely to develop safer driving habits and have a better understanding of traffic rules, which can help them avoid accidents.
Professional Driving Instruction
Professional driving lessons, often provided by qualified instructors or experienced family members, are essential for teaching young drivers the basic car control skills needed to handle various driving situations. In addition to car control, these lessons emphasise proper driving techniques, road laws, and the importance of defensive driving. Young drivers who receive professional instruction are better prepared to handle the challenges they will face on the road.
Graduated Licensing System (GLS) and Higher Order Testing
Australia’s Graduated Licensing System (GLS) helps young drivers gradually develop their skills in a supervised and controlled manner before they can obtain full licensing privileges. Implementing higher-order testing, which requires young drivers to demonstrate advanced driving skills, ensures they are fully prepared to handle more complex driving situations. This system encourages safe driving habits and reduces the risk of crashes as young drivers transition to full license status.
Driving to Conditions
Teaching young drivers the importance of adapting their driving to match the prevailing road conditions is vital for accident prevention. Driving in rain, fog, snow, or on poorly maintained roads requires adjustments in speed, braking distance, and vehicle control. Providing young drivers with training on how to handle adverse weather conditions can significantly reduce the chances of accidents.
Avoiding Distractions
Young drivers are often more prone to distractions, such as using mobile phones, adjusting in-car systems, or conversing with passengers. These distractions can significantly impair their ability to focus on the road. Educating young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and encouraging the use of mobile phone bans while driving can reduce their risk of accidents.
Preventing Nose-to-Tail Crashes
Rear-end collisions, or nose-to-tail crashes, are a common occurrence among young drivers who may fail to maintain a safe following distance. When drivers follow too closely, they reduce the time available to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic flow. This is especially risky when driving behind larger vehicles like vans or trucks, which obstruct visibility of the road ahead.
To prevent nose-to-tail crashes, young drivers should be taught to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the one ahead. This rule of thumb gives drivers enough time to assess road conditions, anticipate traffic slowdowns, and brake accordingly. Reinforcing this habit during training programs helps young drivers develop safer following practices, decreasing their likelihood of involvement in rear-end collisions.
Addressing Risky Behaviour Among Young Male Drivers
Studies have shown that young male drivers are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviours, such as speeding, tailgating, and aggressive manoeuvres. These behaviours contribute significantly to the higher crash rates among young males. Road safety campaigns specifically targeting young male drivers, along with stricter enforcement of traffic laws, can help address this issue. Promoting responsible driving behaviours, such as defensive driving and adherence to speed limits, can further lower the risk of accidents in this demographic.
Conclusion
Road safety remains a critical challenge across Australia, with New South Wales recording the highest number of car accidents due to its dense population and heavy traffic. However, the real concern lies not just in raw numbers but in understanding the unique risk factors affecting each state, from Western Australia’s vast regional highways to Victoria’s urban congestion. By recognising these patterns and implementing targeted interventions, we can work towards meaningful reductions in road fatalities nationwide.
The path forward requires collective action from drivers, policymakers and communities alike. Whether you’re a young driver building essential skills or an experienced motorist navigating challenging conditions, every safety measure you adopt contributes to safer roads for all Australians. With renewed commitment to driver education, stricter enforcement and improved infrastructure, we can move closer to achieving our national goal of halving road deaths by 2030 and protecting lives across every state and territory.
FAQs
Which Australian state records the most car accidents each year?
New South Wales consistently reports the highest number of car accidents due to its larger population. The state’s heavy traffic volumes and extensive road networks contribute significantly to these elevated accident statistics.
Why does Western Australia have such high road fatality rates?
Western Australia faces unique challenges with its vast regional road networks and long-distance highways. Driver fatigue and speeding on remote stretches are major contributing factors to the state’s road toll.
How can young drivers reduce their risk of being in accidents?
Young drivers should participate in pre-licence training programmes and gain professional driving instruction for best results. Building experience through supervised driving and avoiding distractions significantly lowers their crash risk on Australian roads.
What is the three-second rule for safe driving distances?
The three-second rule means maintaining a gap allowing three seconds between your vehicle and the one ahead. This distance provides sufficient reaction time to brake safely and avoid rear-end collisions in traffic.
Are males really more likely to engage in risky driving behaviours?
Research consistently shows males are more prone to aggressive driving, including speeding and tailgating behaviours. Young male drivers particularly tend to underestimate risks and attribute accidents to luck rather than personal decisions.
Kevin Wong is the Director of Soul Legal and a seasoned Perth-based personal injury lawyer who has been passionately representing injured clients across Western Australia since 1991, handling everything from minor claims to complex catastrophic injury cases.
