The tools needed to monitor trends in road safety and to conduct accident analysis studies are considered. Monthly tallies of accidents should be published, short-term trends analysed every 3-4 months, and a detailed annual report produced. Statistical analysis should permit identification of the major safety elements at stake, and correlation of parameters. An on-site analysis of accident mechanisms is also required. The need for computerised data on accidents to be standardised across countries, with inputting by the police who gathered data at the scene of the accident, is considered ideal. The design of the database should be for access and use by multiple users for different purposes. The avoidance of location errors in the files is discussed, possibly by the introduction of GPS. The definition of fatality as occurring within 30 days of an accident can cause difficulties in monitoring and accuracy of databases. Conversion factors for other definitions of fatality are given. The collection and co-ordination of data on traffic density, weather, alcohol use by drivers, use of safety equipment and the connection of different databases is discussed. The use of the information gathered to eliminate accident black spots and increase public awareness is outlined.
Abstract