The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat) is concerned about the rise in vehicle collisions involving road inspectors. Last year, there were sixteen such incidents, marking the highest number in five years.
This is more than three times the number compared to 2023. The ministry has no clear explanation for this increase.
“In recent years, the trend was positive,” said spokesperson Arjanne van der Bijl. Measures have been taken previously to improve vehicle visibility, such as adjusting stripes and warning lights.
Despite analyzing the accidents, no common pattern has been identified. Van der Bijl suggests “driver inattention” as a potential cause, noting that inspectors observe drivers setting up navigation, conducting meetings, or eating while driving, which leads to distraction.
Around 300 road inspectors work to ensure safety after accidents and coordinate with traffic control to close lanes if necessary. Fortunately, no injuries were reported last year, although they have occurred in the past.
Since 2019, Rijkswaterstaat has regularly highlighted the issue of drivers ignoring red crosses, a problem reportedly happening daily according to police. In November last year, over 160 motorists were fined at least 250 euros each for ignoring a red cross following an accident on the A2 near Breukelen.
Source: NOS