Belgium is facing challenges with road safety, highlighted by alarming statistics showing men accounting for nearly 80% of road fatalities. According to data from the Vias Institute, four out of five people who die on Belgian roads are male, primarily due to riskier driving behaviors associated with this demographic.
The stark gender gap extends beyond mere numbers. For example, 96% of fatalities among motorcyclists involve men. While men make up 59% of all road accident victims, they are disproportionately involved in the most severe accidents. The Vias Institute links this to common traits such as driving under the influence, not wearing seat belts, and being prone to distractions like phone usage behind the wheel.
Shirley Delannoy from Vias stated, "Boys are encouraged to take risks from a young age. Girls, on the other hand, are socialised to be more cautious and to follow the rules." This reflection on societal norms shows how upbringing can influence driving habits, with women tending to be more defensive on the road.
To address these concerning statistics, initiatives like the BOB drink-driving campaign are targeting male drivers to promote safer driving practices and reduce fatalities.
Traffic rules pose additional hurdles for newcomers and even locals. The Vias Road Safety Institute warns of specific regulations unique to Belgium, such as the "priority to the right" rule, which requires yielding to vehicles approaching from the right when no traffic signals are present. This can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the local driving culture.
Speed limits also vary across regions. The Brussels-Capital Region imposes a strict 30 km/h limit, whereas Flanders maintains 50 km/h within built-up areas, and Wallonia allows 50 km/h as well. Outside built-up regions, Flanders has a maximum speed limit of 70 km/h, differing from Wallonia’s limit of 90 km/h.
Another notable traffic regulation is the bicycle zones, where cars are considered "guests". Cyclists can utilize the entire road width; when shared, the speed limit drops to 30 km/h for all road users. Visibility is key as these zones are marked with specific traffic signs.
Bicycle suggestion lanes, marked differently from official bike lanes, indicate where cyclists may be present without granting them exclusive rights over cars. This awareness is beneficial for both cyclists and motorists.
A newer regulation established since 2020 mandates drivers on dual-lane roads to create emergency lanes during traffic jams. This practice allows priority vehicles, like ambulances, to pass through quickly, significantly improving response times during emergencies.
Stricter rules applying to specific vehicle types are also noteworthy. For example, trucks over 7.5 tonnes are prohibited from overtaking on highways during rainy weather, rendering Belgium one of the few nations with such regulations.
For those driving speed pedelecs—powerful electric bicycles—Belgium has introduced specific classifications and requirements requiring registration, helmet use, and adherence to different speed allowances compared to regular bicycles.
New rules for e-scooters, introduced nationwide in 2022, come with restrictions, especially within Brussels where speeds are limited to 20 km/h and minors cannot ride these vehicles. Importantly, anyone using e-scooters is classified as cyclists, thereby forbidding them from riding on pavements.
Overall, the legislative framework surrounding traffic safety is extensive, with regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of all road users. Awareness of these rules is imperative, especially for newcomers. Road safety campaigns and educational initiatives may help alleviate the frightening statistics presented by Vias, particularly concerning men. Each stakeholder has to engage actively with these measures to drive down the alarming rate of accidents and fatalities on Belgian roads.