Collection and evaluation of accident data in different European countries

In order for traffic safety efforts to be successful, reliable accident data is important to be able to evaluate the traffic safety situation and design safety measurements. The findings this data produces must be as exact as possible to serve as a dependable basis for research and analysis. Statistical data are the basis for local accident analysis by road administrations and police authorities. This paper proposes methods of accident data collection and evaluation for useful traffic safety studies and describes how this data is currently acquired and interpreted in several European countries. Recommendations are made to make collection of this data more uniform and beneficial.