Traffic fatalities on the decline

Traffic deaths in the Netherlands are on a rapid decline, which may serve as proof that "this is one of the safest countries in the world," according to Infrastructure and Environment Minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen. Figures released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) show that in 2013 570 people died in traffic accidents in the Netherlands, which was 80 less than the year before. CBS said the 21 percent decrease was obviously stronger than the European average of eight percent. The Bureau reported that most of the victims were motorbikers, but among the fatalities there were also car passengers, bikers and pedestrians. It said that the number of children (o to 18) who perished in traffic accidents saw a 42,5 drop from 40 in 2012 to 23 in 2013. Senior citizens (over 65) proved a vulnerable group in 2013; 230 were killed in traffic, many while riding their bicycles. As for vehicles that were involved in accidents, the drop was across the board. Among motorbikers there was a 46 percent drop and there were 8 percent less people on bicycles. Most people passengers had been car passengers, but here too there was a drop notable: 17 percent. The bureau said that there was a 36 percent drop of deaths on highways (32 people), while 20 fewer people died on provincial roads and 29 fewer on municipal roads. "I am happy with the drop in traffic fatalities. These statistics show that the Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world when it comes to traffic. Fewer victims on the roads is better. We want no more than 500 in 2020," said Minister Schultz van Haegen.