William Haddon

William Haddon Jr. (May 24, 1926 – March 4, 1985) was an American public health researcher and occupational safety official. He was regarded as a pioneer in injury epidemiology from his extensive field research and the invention of the Haddon matrix, which classifies injury prevention and control strategies according to different factors. Haddon is also an authority in highway safety. He created the first federal safety motor vehicle model legislation, which influenced state and local laws on drunken driving and requirements that motorcyclists wear helmets. Starting in 1972, Haddon was also the president of the Highway Loss Data Institute, which collects traffic accidents data.

Honors and awards In 1963, the National Safety Council presented its Metropolitan Life Award of Merit to Haddon for research in accident prevention. In 1969, Haddon was awarded the Bronfman Prize for Public Health Achievement by the American Public Health Association.