Casual Loop Diagram Case Study

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Introduction & Problem Statement:

The number of incidents on NZ roads causing injury or fatality has decreased over decades.  The overall decrease in this time has been lower than other OECD countries.  However, the number recently has risen and is comparatively higher than other OECD countries. During the 2014 year, the increase in the number of road deaths in New Zealand was the largest among the 18 member countries of the International Transport Forum (ITF). It is expected that this figure will increase again in 2016, based on running totals of deaths and injuries provided by the New Zealand Transport Agency.  From January 1st 2016 to March 24th, the death toll is already 10 higher than in 2015 (NZTA, 2016).  Too many people are crashing and in the worst circumstances, dying on New Zealand roads.  How can we increase the diminishing rate, and what policy interventions will best achieve this outcome?

Who is Effected?

Stake-holder Map

[pic 1] Police:

The police are concerned with increasing driver awareness on the roads with regards to safety and compliance with road laws. They desire to present a visible front and constant presence to deter any potential law breakers and risk takers. Increasing their road activity would most likely result in a higher prevention rate of road incidents in the areas they are present.  However, time and resource constraints mean that they cannot be everywhere and also lack the officers and the funding to be present at all times. The police also face a personal risk while monitoring the roads as the job itself opens them up to dangers. The ultimate goal for police is an immediate and permanent decrease in road incidents, which would allow for safer roads, and consequently less time and man-power spent monitoring them. This will allow for police to work within their limited resources while still keeping the roads safe.

Insurance companies:

Insurance companies are in a unique position. They aspire to have no road incidents so as to reduce pay-outs to their customers or victims of their customers; however a reduction of road incidents is likely to lead to less need for insurance companies’ services. The desired outcome of insurance companies is to decrease the number of incidents on the roads so as to reduce their claims, but simultaneously to maintain a constant threat of accidents so they may continue their businesses.

ACC:

The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) desires a decrease in road incidents for the betterment of the New Zealand people. As a branch of the government, ACC does not desire a financial gain for the reasons of profit. Instead, they want a reduction in accidents so they do not have to pay out for personal injuries occurred on the road. This reduction would enable ACC to cover other aspects of New Zealand healthcare such as diseases and workplace injuries as money would be freed up from their road division.