Firstly, this study analyses the relationship between speed and accident rate on 80 km/h roads and arterial roads inside built-up areas. The analysis shows that: a) it is not always clear to road users which road type they are driving on; b) road users often make a wrong speed choice resulting in an increasing accident risk; and c) the origin of this error can be explained by the road users' wrong perception of the road and traffic. Secondly, the study describes how the Dutch road administrator can tackle the problem of the relationship between speed and traffic safety on the roads studied. Its policy should be directed at: (1) supplying road users with additional information about the function and layout of these roads; (2) enforcement of the speed limit by; (a) reducing the increase in speeding on the roads investigated; and (b) adjusting road layout so that it relates closely to the characteristics of both the environment and the road user. By means of publicity campaigns, possibly supported by police enforcement, the road users should (i) acquire more knowledge of the 'speed' variable and its consequences, and (ii) change their attitude towards speed behaviour.
Abstract