Speed has positive impacts on the economy. However excessive speeds (driving above the speed limits) or inappropriate speeds (driving too fast for the prevailing conditions, but within the limits) are dangerous. Speed is a causation factor in around one third of fatal accidents and an aggravating factor in all accidents, as higher speeds lead to more severe injuries. Speed also has negative impacts on the environment and quality of life. Hence the interest to launch sound speed management policies. The present paper highlights the results of an OECD-ECMT group dealing with this subject. For the covering abstract see ITRD E134653.
Samenvatting