Socioeconomic disparities in road crashes: analysis of the influence of neighbourhood deprivation on crash severity and frequency

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) impose substantial human, social and economic burdens. This study analysed 78,987 police-reported crashes that occurred in Auckland, New Zealand between 2015 and 2024 to examine how neighbourhood-level socioeconomic deprivation influences crash frequency and severity. Crash outcomes (fatal, serious, minor and non-injury) were assessed in relation to the IMD18, a composite index of deprivation across seven domains (Housing, Access, Crime, Health, Education, Income and Employment). Using regression analyses, strong associations between deprivation and crash frequency were found, with the Housing and Access domains being the most significant predictors of crash rates and related social costs (<i>R</i>² > 0.80). This reflects both environmental and systemic conditions - such as inadequate infrastructure, poor transport access and reliance on older vehicles. By linking deprivation domains to crash data, this study highlights the importance of targeted interventions to help reduce road traffic rates and their economic impact in the most affected areas.