A method of analysing collision accidents: tested on Victorian road accidents of 1961 and 1962

A method is presented whereby the various types of pre collision movement of two different classes of motor vehicles (eg, cars and panel vans) may be analysed. The method takes into consideration the relative frequencies of the various types of movement that occur on the roads, thus providing a means of 'exposure', and the part they actually play in contributing towards accidents. The method enables one to select what may be called 'high risk situations', similarly to high risk (ie, 'accident prone') drivers or localities, so that such situations can be avoided in the future. The method is tested on examples of Victorian collisions of 1961 and 1962. The results obtained by the analysis are considered to be of general interest. They point to 'high risk situations' which are to be eliminated or which are to have their effect reduced. They may originate ideas useful in practical fields, as diverse as vehicle design, design of road intersections, and the education of drivers.