Research from Statistics

Now that most Forces have adopted the new, detailed, statistical form in connection with road accidents it is fairly clear that additional work falls upon the already over-burdened police officer. It is perhaps, therefore, worth reflecting upon the uses which have been made of statistics and the benefits which rnay follow from the new detail. It is hoped that in the longer term additional completion of forms will result in data leading to improved road safety. This in turn will allow a reduced operational commitment due to a steadying or lowering of the national road accident rate. The information on accidents supplied by Police is linked to other data sources relating to the composition and flows of traffic, vehicle speeds and spacing, weather, road features and various aspects of road user behaviour. The comments which follow here show the uses to which statistics are put and give some of the results of research so far.