Among the general measures that have had an effect during the period, the following are probably the most important: (1) building of new roads in rural areas; (2) vehicle improvement, including tyre equipment; (3) use of seat belts; and (4) environmental traffic improvement in urban areas. Other measures worth mentioning are the modified speed limit regulations applicable to the rural road network. On the whole, the speed limits imposed have simply meant that the actual speeds have not changed to any appreciable extent in the years 1968-1976. Most of the construction and maintenance improvements performed by road authorities have resulted in increasing speeds. The same seems to be valid also for vehicle improvements. Among the measures not involving increased speeds are, besides seat belts, vehicle daytime lighting and headlamp cleaners, the respective use and presence of which have increased during the period. Follow-up studies of road rules knowledge show that the level of knowledge for certain road-user categories is lower now than it was immediately after the change-over to right-hand traffic, 1967. Towards the end of the reviewed period there are many indications that there has been a deterioration in road users' adaption to the present speed regulation system and also in the law enforcement capacity. To a high degree, this deterioration is compensated in road safety by better roads, road environment, road maintenance and vehicles.
Samenvatting