ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN

The incidence of road traffic deaths and injuries in motorised and motorising countries is compared. The particular problems of developing countries are identified and the continuing quest for mobility throughout the world questionned. The case of Australia is examined where road accidents were costing the country more than 6,000 million dollars a year. A number of measures are outlined which were introduced to reduce this figure including the compulsory wearing of seat belts, the compulsory wearing of helmets by cyclists and motor cyclists, random breath testing, graduated driving licences and high- mounted central braking lights. Figures are given for the reduction in casualties. It is concluded that to reduce road trauma a comprehensive strategy administered by a separate agency is required. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 856301.