Official police reports and traffic accident registration forms were systematically used in order to analyse 133 serious accidents which occurred on roads outside built-up areas or on sections of through roads in the West-Zeeuwsch-Vlaanderen area in 1988-1991. It appears that the two most important types of accident are: (1) accident caused by passenger cars or delivery vehicles going off the traffic lane; and (2) accidents at junctions. At least two motor vehicles were involved in more than two third of these accidents. At least one bicycle or moped was involved in the other accidents at junctions. In general, the number of serious accidents increased in the year 1991. Possible measures to solve the lack of traffic safety in the West-Zeeuwsch-Vlaanderen area are: a) infrastructural changes, for example road side safety constructions; and b) education, publicity, and other forms of influencing behaviour.
Abstract