TRAFFIC SAFETY IN THE DUTCH PROVINCE OF FLEVOLAND: ANALYSIS OF THE GENERAL DEVELOPMENTS AND POLICY SPEARHEADS BASED ON THE ROAD SAFETY INFORMATION SYSTEM (RIS)

Describing a trend in the number of road fatalities in the Dutch province of Flevoland is difficult due to the low absolute numbers involved. When comparing the indexed figures (1985 = 100) of Flevoland with those elsewhere in the Netherlands, however, it can be seen that the number of road fatalities in this province is developing less favourable than in the rest of the Netherlands. The development in the registered number of injured persons requiring hospital treatment (based on police registration) seems somewhat more favourable, but the actual number of injured persons requiring hospital treatment (based on hospital registrations) exhibits no decline. The increase in the number of other injured persons is marked; it is found to occur chiefly within urban areas, especially within the urban area of Almere. The relatively sharp increase in mobility in Flevoland can be indicated as one of the causes of the less favourable development regarding the number of casualties. Another cause has been the dramatic growth of the population in Flevoland. Most road fatalities occur in the age groups of 18 to 24, 25 to 34, and 65 and older. These groups also exhibit the greatest risk of dying (deaths/100,000 inhabitants). The 18 to 24-year-olds and the 25 to 34-year-olds also exhibit the highest percentage of injured persons requiring hospital treatment, but the chance (the number per 100,000 inhabitants) of being admitted to a hospital as a result of a road accident is greatest among 16 and 17-year-olds. When making a categorisation according to transport mode, the vast majority of road fatalities in Flevoland occur among car occupants. The policy spearheads deserving special attention in Fevoland are alcohol use, speed and seat belt use.