Netherlands – Last year, 684 people in the Netherlands died as a result of a traffic accident, reports the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). ‘In addition to enforcing the traffic rules by the police, a joint effort is needed from all chain partners to reduce the number of fatalities. reduce traffic accidents,” says Traffic portfolio holder Willybert Oor of the police.
For the fourth year in a row, more cyclists (270) than passenger car occupants (194) were killed in traffic. Statistics Netherlands reports this based on traffic figures for 2023. At least 40 percent of the cyclists who crashed were riding an e-bike. 194 passengers in a passenger car had a fatal accident. Also, 71 pedestrians, 53 people in mobility scooters, 46 motorcyclists, 32 moped and light moped riders and 16 passengers of a van or truck died as a result of a traffic accident.
‘More is needed than enforcement’
‘Traffic on our roads is still increasing,’ Oor responds to the CBS figures, ‘but not all roads are prepared for this. This lack of adaptation increases the risk of traffic accidents. As the police, we continue to take our responsibility in enforcing traffic rules. It is becoming increasingly clear that more is needed than just enforcement to reduce the number of accidents. A joint effort by all parties involved within the chain remains necessary.’
Safety of cyclists
The safety of cyclists remains a point of attention, emphasizes the Transport portfolio holder. ‘The elderly on an electric bicycle are especially vulnerable in traffic, but as the police we also see that younger road users on an e-bike are regularly involved in traffic accidents. Organizations such as the ANWB, senior citizens’ associations and cyclists’ union can play a valuable role by informing this group of road users of the risks through information.’
For more information, see the CBS press release.
Information source: Politie.nl
