Abstract
This paper will concentrate on the road safety patterns and comparisons between countries in Northern and Southern Europe. Most countries in Northern and Southern Europe now belong to the European Union, excepting Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Despite the fact that these countries belong to a common administrative framework, big differences still exist in the levels and patterns of safety. It is of interest to determine areas of difference; analyse possible reasons, and point out the interrelationships. One of the main points that will be emphasised in this study is that the nation-wide comparisons are seriously limited for a variety of reasons. Ways of overcoming these difficulties will be discussed. (A)