The number of traffic fatalities in the netherlands during 1982 was 1710 and was therefore 5% lower than during 1981. In comparison with 1973 the number of traffic fatalities has decreased by almost 50%. An important part of this reduction was a result of governmental measures which include the mandatory use of safety belts, crash helmets, red reflectors on bicycles, and the introduction of a legal minimum blood alcohol content. On the other hand the continuing process of improvements on the road and the vehicle, adaptation to motorised traffic, the economic recession, have also played a positive role while the growing population and the increase in mobility have played a more negative role. Traffic mortality is still the highest for people in the age range from 15-24 years.
Samenvatting