Road safety on N-roads in the Breda region

10/22/2025 - 15:23

N-roads pose a significant safety problem in the Netherlands. Although these provincial roads make up only 6% of the total road network, they account for approximately one in five road fatalities. The total number of fatal road casualties in the Netherlands fluctuates around 680 per year. N-roads have gained a reputation as dangerous 'death roads'.

Causes
According to mobility expert Jeroen Weppner from BUas, the problem lies primarily with driver behaviour, not with road design. Dangerous overtaking manoeuvres, mobile phone use whilst driving, distraction from car radios, and excessive speed are the main causes of accidents. These behavioural factors cannot be resolved through changes to infrastructure.

However, specific problem areas can be identified. Level crossings where cyclists, pedestrians, and cars intersect are particularly dangerous points. Whilst trees along the roadside are often seen as culprits, Weppner emphasises that the real problem remains driver behaviour.

Solutions and limitations
Infrastructure measures such as roundabouts, cycle tunnels, and central reservations can help, but are limited in feasibility. There are hundreds, possibly thousands of similar junctions in Brabant. Installing roundabouts costs approximately €600,000 each, making large-scale modifications financially unfeasible. Moreover, the road network is largely fixed.

Weppner therefore sees the future primarily in technological solutions. Modern cars increasingly feature automatic distance control, lane assistance, and speed detection. These systems can automatically correct aberrant driving behaviour.

Conclusion
Weppner concludes that little more can be gained from road design improvements. Progress in road safety must come primarily from smarter vehicles with automatic safety systems. Automatic speed limiting to 80 km/h on N-roads could significantly improve safety. The focus should be on a combination of raising awareness about driving behaviour and utilising modern vehicle technology.

Source: BNDeStem, Sjoerd Marcelissen