ROAD ACCIDENTS IN THE SPANISH POPULATION

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to analize the accident phenomeno n in general, and in the particular case of road accidents, using to t his purpose the 1993 National Health Survey. METHODS: The National Hea lth Survey of 1993 was carried out in 26,334 inhabitants (21,084 adult s > 16 years of age and 5,250 children). This survey tends to study th e characteristics and distribution of the morbidity perceived by the S panish population. RESULTS: 7.8% of the population had suffered an acc ident in the last twelve months. 1.6% has suffered a road accident. Ro ad accidents were more common in men and in the 11-30 age group. 52.1% out the casualties in road accidents were assisted in an emergency;de partment. The most common injuries were bumps and contusions (53.4%) a nd fractures and wounds (42.4%), CONCLUSIONS: Road accidents are frequ ent in the Spanish population, specially in men and young adults; also , they often need to use sanitary services.