Government agencies and insurance companies collect and record enormous amounts of data on road accidents on computer files. The collection of this data serves mainly for administrative purposes and only occasionally for research. The objective of this paper is to argue, and to show that useful research projects can be carried out relatively cheaply, using basically administrative data, provided that linkage of files and linkage with sources is possible. In Quebec where there is compulsory government car insurance, except for material damages, there is a particularly favourable situation making possible the creation of complete and rich databases organized by individual records. The paper shows the research potential of such databases on the example of two studies: one on the effects of age and experience in accidents with injuries, and the second on medical conditions and drivers' records. It is also pointed out that the researchers have to assume a great responsibility in order that the privacy of individuals is maintained very strictly. Data about an individual must be kept confidential, and the files should not carry any identity of individuals, only numbers. (A)
Abstract