Abstract
The very large increase in mortality and morbidity from road accidents, which, in technically developed countries, now account for more than one-third of the deaths in the age-group 15-24 and for nearly half in some of them has directed the attention of public health authorities to primary road accident prevention. It has been found that epidemiological and other techniques with which public health personnel are familiar, can be applied effectively to the problem. These facts were discussed by the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. The summary report of these discussions and working documents which served as a background to them are presented.