REDUCING THE NUMBERS OF ACCIDENTS

The object of accident research is to discover the weak points of the traffic system and quantify the effects of proposed measures. The development of methods of supplementing accident data by including secondary data such as vehicle mileages and data specific to the vehicle or road has meant that particular questions can be studied objectively. Important for accident research are programs which enable the kinematics of vehicles during the crash phase to be calculated. The question as to what stress on the driver caused him to overestimate his capability and led to the accident can be answered by means of a vehicle with which the physiological and psychological data relating to the driver can be indicated. Active safety is cited as an example of rapid and pragmatic accident research. If a permanent reduction in the number of accidents is to be achieved, there must be a reduction in individual readiness to take risks. Technical warning systems must be developed which compensate for defective human capability. Of the structural measures in the vehicle which have brought about a lessening of accident severity, the report concentrates mainly on restraint systems, particularly on the three point inertia reel seat belt and ways of improving this. Finally the author discusses the disadvantages of smaller vehicles, better accident protection in lorries and equipment on cars for protecting pedestrians and cyclists in a collision. (TRRL)