Vehicular crash data for Tennessee was collected for the 10 year period 1974-1983 with particular attention to the incidence of occupant and pedestrian injuries, deaths, and rates of death per injury. Despite an increase in the number of crashes and occupant injuries, there were fewer fatalities and a reduction in the likelihood of death per injury for occupant and pedestrian alike. However, comparing pedestrian and occupant fatalities, there was no change over time in the relative risks of death (RDR). These data suggest that improved outcome following vehicular crashes is related to general measures affecting both occupant and pedestrian and not to occupant protective measures alone. Changes in RDR may serve as a useful index to quantitate effects of occupant restraint implementation.