Theme II. Speed limits and the driver. The efficacy and the observance of speed limits.

The significance of speed limits introduced in Belgium in 1973 at the time of the oil crisis, as regards reduction in the number and severity of accidents is discussed. In Belgium, the present speed limits according to road categories are: 120 km /h on motorways or 4- lane roads or 2x2 (or more) carriageways outside built- up areas, 90 km /h on all other roads outside built- up areas, 60 km /h in built- up areas. Examples are given of the use of geometric planning for encouraging the observance of certain speed limits.