As the factors involved in collisions have become better understood, some organizations have begun to avoid the term "accident," as the word suggests an unpreventable, unpredictable event and disregards the opportunity for the driver(s) involved to avoid the crash. Although auto collisions are rare in terms of the number of vehicles on the road and the distance they travel, addressing the contributing factors can reduce their likelihood. For example, proper signage can decrease driver error and thereby reduce crash frequency. That is why Dorset County Council (DCC) generally use the term "collision" rather than "accident".

• Casualties and collisions in the DCC Dorset area, 1999-2010

  This table gives the detailed casualty and collision statistics from 1999 to 2010 for the county council area which excludes Poole and Bournemouth.

• Traffic collisions and offences 1995-2010

  Traffic collisions and offences for the Dorset Police area which includes the Dorset County Council area, Poole and Bournemouth.

• Road Traffic Casualties by age group 1999-2010

  This page provides data on casualties by age group dividing them into the more serious 'killed or seriously injured' (KSIs) and 'slight casualties' for the Dorset area excluding Poole and Bournemouth.