On May 1st 2001, the exception that bicycles, mopeds and other slow road users from the right do not have the right of way when coming from the right at intersections was abolished in the Netherlands. Although this change of rule is not a road safety measure, a minor positive safety effect was expected from the infrastructural measures which were taken by the road authorities prior to the rule change. These measures contain priority regulation on main roads and additional traffic calming measures at hazardous intersections in residential areas. After collecting accident data for a year, a first analysis shows that the expected minor positive effect did not come true. The number of serious injuries amongst cyclists and mopeds showed a slight increase. Also along with this analysis, the priority regulation on several main roads was evaluated by speed and accident data. This study shows that, as expected, the average speed at intersections was slightly increased but the average speed remains below the speed level on the roads. Due to the lack of road accident data, no definitive results can be concluded. (Author/publisher)
Abstract