Groningen responds to skidding crashes at "Mario Kart curve" with fluorescent signs

The province of Groningen is adding extra, highly visible traffic signs to make the infamous “Mario Kart curve” on the city’s ring road safer, after multiple drivers have lost control there.

The “Mario Kart curve” links Groningen’s new southern ring road (N7) with the western ring road (N370) and earned its nickname shortly after the connection opened last year. Over the past year, the Groningen news outlet Sikkom has published several images of cars going off the curve.

The province of Groningen will add a 50 km/h speed limit sign and a sharp curve warning sign next week, both with a fluorescent yellow background for maximum visibility. Existing signs just before the curve will be updated in the same way. Previous measures, such as applying rough asphalt and removing a drainage groove, did not have the desired effect.

Traffic psychologist Cees Wildervanck emphasized to the NOS in August that drivers often adjust their speed too late, leading to skidding. He recommended obeying the signs and reducing speed well in advance.

Groningen is carrying out an in-depth traffic safety investigation of the curve, looking at road layout, driver behavior, and weather conditions. Findings are expected later this fall.