on safer road vehicles.

the author suggests that to make road vehicles safer is but one of the factors in achieving the real objective- that of greater safety for all road users, vehicle design and its regulation should be supplemented by government action in such fields as road planning and design, traffic management, and the training and behaviour of all road users, including pedestrians. the wearing of seat belts by all vehicle occupants is regarded as particularly important and mention is made of australia's experience in legislating for compulsory use of seat belts. the value of research such as that carried out at trrl is emphasized, and the major safety characteristics of british and european cars are briefly discussed. the author finally emphasises that, accident prevention characteristics, or primary safety features of vehicles should take priority over injury reducing devices or secondary safety features. (see also irrd abstract no 205027)