Abstract
The current road safety situation in the Netherlands is outlined and details given of the latest Dutch plan for a `sustainable safe road traffic system'. This involves a twin track approach consisting of a spearhead policy as the curative element and sustainable safety as the preventative element with an integrated approach to people, vehicles and roads. The spearhead policy is designed to reduce the type of accidents which occur every day. The sustainable traffic safety policy aims to adapt transport systems to people rather than the reverse. Aspects discussed include the role of infrastructure, town planning and influencing behaviour.