This report contains the results of a study into wrong-way driving on motorways and is a follow-up to a previous study conducted in 1981 (See IRRD 258645). The objective of the current study was to gain an insight into source files available in the Netherlands that contain information about wrong-way accidents and to determine the quality of that information. The extent, nature and development of wrong-way driving in the Netherlands since 1980 as based on these source files are also discussed. During the 1991 to 1996 period, about 0.1% of all registered road accidents on motorways resulted from wrong-way driving. This percentage indicates that an annual average of 22 wrong-way accidents occurred during this time. Accidents involving wrong-way driving are serious in nature. During the dark, the percentage of wrong-way driving accidents of the total number of accidents on motorways is greater than during the day. Starting at age 55, the percentage of wrong-way drivers involved in road accidents on motorways increases. Alcohol use by wrong-way drivers occurs relatively often, with the exception of the group of drivers aged 70 and older. Regarding the location at which drivers start driving in the wrong direction, little data is available. For the second part see C 11063 (IRRD 491578).
Abstract