This paper illustrates simple techniques to approach traffic safety issues and traffic accidents. By means of birds-eye view video registration, a detailed and accurate overview can be gathered of the type, number and causation of conflicts and accidents that occur. This allows a good assessment of the pre-crash phase and provides more data than accident statistics alone. Together with road scene analyses, by focusing on the interaction between road users and the design of the road environment, insight can be provided in accident causation or weaknesses in the road system. Two examples are provided of projects that use and integrate these methods. The method is especially suitable for black-spots, but can also be used at other locations in order to assess road user interactions and behaviour.