The annual campaign about the maximum speed in traffic focuses this time mainly on motorists speeding 10 to 15 km / h.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management reported on Monday at the start of the campaign that motorists, especially in built-up areas and on provincial roads, do not keep to the speed limits. Traffic minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen explains: “Speeding is a major cause of traffic accidents, including fatalities. Every accident is one too many. Therefore, avoid speeding, check your speed regularly.” According to an estimate by the Institute for Road Safety Research (SWOV), one third of all fatal road accidents are partly caused by speeding.
A spokesperson for the ministry says that, among other things, signs along the roads and via social media indicate the risks of speeding. Motorists are advised to slow down when the situation calls for it, such as in the vicinity of a school, during busy periods or in bad weather. Municipalities and provinces, among others, are also participating in the campaign. Veilig Verkeer Nederland (VVN) offers residents the means to campaign in their own neighborhood and has an online knowledge quiz. Team Alert focuses on young, inexperienced road users.
Lower maximum speed
In the meantime, options for lowering the maximum speed in built-up areas are seriously being looked into. There is increasing support for 30 km / h instead of 50 km / h. This would improve road safety, although municipalities want to warn that the roads will need to be adjusted here and there. Large-scale modifications would be required on half of the roads. The total costs of this are estimated at € 950 million.