Abstract
The importance of establishing a specific organisation at government level to implement a policy to combat unsafe driving behaviour and road conditions is described. Such an organisation can co-ordinate different government departments and provide a reference point for local road safety initiatives. The organisation of road safety at the European State level is described, including the amendment of the Treaty of Rome at Maastricht to include road safety in the remit of the European Union. Many of the advances achieved are attributed to exchange of information and know-how between countries.