Review of Why do we have automobile accidents?

Abstract

Reviews the book, Why do we have automobile accidents? by Harry R. De Silva (1942). The reviewer states that this book deals with some phases of the important problem of highway mishaps with emphasis on the psychological aspects of accident causation. An analysis is made of the contributing factors, such as exposure to accidents, speed, skill at the wheel and attitudes toward safety. Data are given on the types of drivers behind the wheel and exposure-in-travel hazards. The author presents his own adaptation of tests for drivers which includes both road and laboratory procedures. Considerable attention is given to vision in relation to safe driving. The treatment in this section is somewhat stinted and overlooks the work done by many other investigators. One section of the book is devoted to sociological aspects of accident susceptibility. According to the reviewer, a very satisfactory survey is made of methods used in collecting accident information, types of accidents, reporting systems, interpretation of data on accidents and criteria used in safety contests. Financial responsibility laws and compulsory insurance are discussed in a general way. The reviewer states that although it might be much better organized, the book serves as an introduction to this very much neglected area of study, on the part of academic writers, and should be read by everyone interested in traffic problems and automobile accident prevention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)