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.