ABSTRACT:In economic terms road trauma is Australia's major public health problem. It discriminates against the young, the elderly and the rural community. In order to be resolved, the issue must be firmly placed on the health care agenda and more research needs to be carried out in relation to rural road trauma. There are many reasons why rural health professionals should be involved with traffic safety. These include the recognition of road trauma as a health care issue in public debate and health professional training and education; emergency trauma management and continuity of care; research, social advocacy and preventive strategies. Networking and inter‐professional cooperation are also seen as vital to the promotion of a safer Australia. The issue has environmental implications and is part of the promotion of healthy communities. The understanding of the implementation problems relating to road safety initiatives is the great traffic safety issue of the decade and health care professionals can help to stimulate debate about these matter