In Poland the computer accident database was established in 1975. From the beginning the system of information collection and processing is supervised by the general headquarters of the police. The content and database structure has been changed occaisionally but the data were always gathered by police officers. Work on a new data collection and processing system is in progress. The road accident form will be modified and a new computer system for data processing will be established. The collection and analysis of road accident data is a basis for selecting remedial measures. The method of collecting and processing road accident data is not free of shortcomings, but it enables various institutions to make analysis at different levels. This enables the identification of the main problems connected wioad traffic safety. But, because of the lack of precise data on driver population by category, age of driving licences, as well as data on vehicles, possibilities of calculating exposure rates are limited. Data on road network, traffic, road user's behaviour, information on rescue system and trauma management are also not complete. In summary, Poland has relatively good computer accident data bases, however some differences in definitions, scope and recording practices of information make international comparative analysis and integration of data difficult. Joining the European Union created new opportunities. International co-operation (participation in the IRTAD, CARE and SafetyNet Expert Group) gave chance to identify shortfalls in the Polish system of collecting road safety data and improving the system. The central and local governments, researchers and experts have to meet new requirements and challenges. More reliable and better structured data will create conditions for deeper analysis, formulation of national road safety policies, better road safety programmes and monitoring of implemented measures (A). For the covering abstract of the conference see E217780.
Samenvatting