Samenvatting
The interaction between speed limits and safety in Switzerland (50 km /h in urban areas, 80 km /h in rural areas, 120 km /h on motorways is examined. A study of fatal road accidents in Switzerland in 1983 shows that speed limits are a way of reducing the effects of a lack of sense of responsibility on the part of the driver, creating a more homogeneous traffic, hence increased safety. Results of a 1981 survey show that there is far reaching agreement between public opinion in Switzerland and speed limits laid down by law.