QUICK AND SAFE: A DILEMMA . FOR ALL SAFETY; CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF TRAFFIC SAFETY

Speed is an important factor of influence in traffic safety and limiting speed will therefore improve traffic safety. In almost every accident the wrong selection of speed has played a major role. But the selection of a safe speed cannot be made by every road user and therefore measures should be made to simplify the choice or to enforce a certain speed. The relationship between speed and accidents is not easily defined. Higher speed does not cause more accidents. Differences in speed often do increase the possibility of an accident. Higher speeds do however result in more severe accidents. Much research has been done into the selection of speed and many factors have therefore been taken into account. Measures taken to influence the speed should be enforced by law. More police enforcement and higher penalties can have a positive effect. Speed reducing measures, advisory speeds, vehicle dependent speeds, publicity and surveillance, government policy for speed limits on motorways and other highways, and speed limits in residential areas are discussed. (TRRL)