Citation

Zieli A. Proc. Road Saf. Four Continents Conf. 2005; 13: 6p.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Conference Sponsor)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In Poland the computer accident database was established in 1975. From the beginning the system of information collection and processing was supervised by the General Headquarters of the Police. The content and database structure has been changed a number of times but the data was always gathered by police officers. Work on a new data collection and processing system is in progress. The Road Accident Form will be modified and a new computer system for data processing will be established. The collection and analysis of road accident data is a basis for selecting remedial measures. Method of collecting and processing road accident data is not free of shortcomings, but it enables various institutions to make analysis at different levels. This enables one to identify the main problems connected with road traffic safety. But, because of the lack of precise data on driver's population by category, age of driving licenses, as well as data on vehicles, possibilities of calculating exposure rates are limited. Data on road network, traffic, road user s behavior, information on rescue system and trauma management are also not complete. In summary, Poland has relatively good computer accidents data base, however some differences in definitions, scope and recording practices of information make international comparative analysis and integration of data difficult. Joining the European Union created new opportunities. International cooperation (participation in the IRTAD, CARE and SafetyNet Expert Group) gave a chance to identify shortfalls in the Polish system of collecting road safety data and improving the system. The central and local governments, researchers and experts have to meet new requirements and challenges. More reliable and better structured data will create conditions for deeper analysis, formulation of national road safety policies, better road safety programs and monitoring of implemented measures.