The website is hoeveiligonderweg.nl. The ministry will incorporate the outcomes of this consultation into an additional package of measures for traffic safety. More information will be available before summer.
Various Scenarios
Dutch citizens can express their opinion about the extreme measures. Some measures do not align with current ministry plans. For example, people can express a preference for making helmet use mandatory, while the ministry currently promotes voluntary helmet usage.
For ten types of measures, Dutch citizens can indicate how much money they wish to invest. The potential reduction in traffic fatalities and injuries is also visible next to this. There is a maximum budget available.
The questionnaire is also submitted to a representative group for the Dutch population. However, the ministry values the opportunity for all citizens to contribute their thoughts, which is why the questionnaire is available online.
Breaking the Trend
In 2023, there were 684 fatalities and 7,400 serious injuries on the roads. Most victims are cyclists.
The expectation is that the number of traffic injuries will rise in the coming years, even with additional measures. Research indicates that the main causes are population growth, increased mileage, and older individuals continuing to cycle.
Despite these negative predictions, the ministry is determined to reduce traffic accidents and break the anticipated rising trend. The consultation helps to discover which measures the Dutch population could support.