[Prevention of traffic accidents]

To inform nursing professionals about their role in the prevention of traffic accidents, a grave health-related problem, is the purpose of this article. To begin with, factors which can deteriorate one's capacity to drive vehicles, and over which nursing professionals can intervene, will be presented. These factors include alcohol, other drugs, medicines, individual morbidity, the factor of aging and the use of security devices. A special reference will be made about widely used medicines. Finally the role that a nurse can fulfill will be explained. This role can be directed to various sections of the general public, be of varying natures, be exercised with greater or lesser ease, and lastly can have more or less effect upon those to whom it is destined.