The point of departure for this congress is the lack of opportunities for co-operation between policy-making bodies and industry. The administrative authorities are not fully informed of new developments and possibilities in technology. Industry does not know where to aim its development programme, because it does not know the administrative authorities' long term policies. This congress will attempt to provide a first contribution to filling this vacuum. Policy preparing bodies, research institutes, advisory organisations and industry will then have the task of following this up. Present day traffic provides great freedom of movement, 'but at the same time produces: accident victims, environmental damage, and a large energy consumption. We have long been aware of these negative aspects of the traffic system and in particular of the degree of traffic hazards. For decades the administrative authorities and private bodies have been taking measures to combat these hazards. There is at the moment a growing demand for radical action. Perhaps it stems from a feeling of powerlessness, that nothing has any effect, that the correct policy is not being pursued. That is why it is important to see whether any of these feelings are justified.
Abstract