Traffic Accident Trends in Europe and the British Isles

Abstract

The general traffic picture in Europe is charac terized by rapidly increasing numbers of private motor vehicles and in particular by the emergence of small motorcycles. There is a steady growth in the number of goods vehicles, due partly to a general increase in industrial activity and partly to diversion of traffic from the railways. Although the total number of ac cidents continues to increase, the rate per vehicle mile is falling. The accident problem varies greatly between countries because of differing conditions and temperaments. Variation is also found between the methods used to prevent accidents, although co-operation through the Economic Commission for Europe is leading to greater uniformity. Traffic safety in Europe is pri marily the concern of governments, and co-operation with in dustry, the general public, and the universities is not generally as close as in the United States. In addition, the resources in terms of man power and finance deployed in Europe for traffic safety have been generally at a lower level. Interchanges of views between European countries and the United States may have a considerable influence, and valuable links have been established between universities, national safety councils, and research establishments. Intensive research into road safety education and propaganda techniques should point the way to significant progress in making road users more aware of their responsibilities and ultimately in effecting a substantial reduc tion in road accidents.