METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF MEASURING INJUR IES FROM TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AT THE SITE OF OCCURRENCE

Traffic accidents are a well-known public health problem worldwide. In Mexico research into risk factors for motor involving vehicles accide nts and their consequences has recently been taken into account. The r elevant literature does not normally describe the methodological aspec ts involved in the collection of primary data, since most studies have used secondary data the good quality and validity of wich are assumed . The paper presented seeks to discuss and share with researchers in t his field some of the methodological aspects to be considered in the a ttempt to recreate the scene of the accident and obtain information ap proximating to reality. The measurements in situ of, such traffic acci dent variables as injury, use of seat belt, speed and alcohol intake a re discussed.