Before setting out a policy for the battle against traffic hazards it is necessary to know what the present position is, what developments there have been during recent years and what effects the measures taken have had. In the framework of preparing a national plan for traffic safety, the quantitative or numerical developments of traffic and transport and of traffic hazards during recent years are considered. The development of the traffic since 1950 can be divided into two periods. Up to 1973 there was gradual increase which correlates with the also gradual changing factors of influence. The population increased and vehicle ownership increased. Since 1973 there has been a marked decrease, partly due to the mandatory use of seat belts in cars and the mandatory use of the crash helmet for motorcyclists and moped riders. The legal blood alcohol content percentage and the energy crisis, the use of reflectors on bicycle pedals, etc have also been factors.
Samenvatting