3.1. Data collection
An extended investigation was performed among some of the most well-known and reliable accident databases in Europe. Table 1 summarises the databases consulted. The outcome of this investigation (after cross-checking and elimination of duplicates) was a total number of 617 accidents retrieved for all four transport interfaces under study (marshalling yards, sea and river ports, and lorry stopover places), covering the period 1934–1995. Most of the accidents have occurred recently (later than 1970).