France Slows It Down: 80 km/h on Two‑Lane Highways
In a bold move that might make some out-of‑laws sigh with relief, the French government announced that from July 1st the speed limit on two‑lane highways—those with no guardrails and a reputation for deadly drama—will be cut from 90 km/h to 80 km/h. The aim? To reverse a sharp rise in road deaths that has rattled the nation.
The Road to Safety
- In 2016, nearly 3,500 people died on France’s highways. That’s about 55 % of the toll coming from the 400,000‑km stretch of “secondary” roads.
- Speed‑related crashes accounted for 32 % of these fatalities—twice the rate in urban areas.
- Prime Minister Edouard Philippe says the new limit could save 350‑400 lives a year and lower the severity of accidents.
Why Now? The Numbers Talk
For the first eleven months of 2017, deaths rose by 0.9% compared with 2016. France’s overall record has stumbled: after hitting a low of 3,268 deaths in 2013, the numbers started climbing again in 2014 and continued to creep upward.
Prime Minister’s Pamphlet
Philippe told Journal du Dimanche that if saving lives means playing unpopular politics, he’s ready to do it.
Historical Context
- Seat‑belts became mandatory in 1973.
- Speed radar enforcement came online in 2002.
- Both were uproar‑worthy at the time but helped cut car deaths for almost four decades.
Speed Test— Results Pending
In 2015, the government tested a lower limit on roughly 80 km of highway. They claimed no extra traffic jams, yet the death‑statistics from the trial remain missing. The test’s promise is still in the air.
Opposition Voices
Some say speed isn’t the villain; tough driver habits are. Daniel Quero, head of the 40 Million Drivers group, argued that:
“Cars are getting better, roads are improving. Who needs a lower limit? You’re just adding more punishment.”
He pointed out that signage already advertises slow‑down zones, like 70 km/h in hazardous stretches.
Public Opinion
According to a Harris Interactive poll for RMC and Atlantico:
- 59% voted against the lower limit.
- 83% believed the primary goal was to boost fine revenue.
- Philippe promised any extra revenue would fund victim support.
Phone‑driving Crack‑down
Simultaneous tightening of mobile phone use while driving is underway. Roughly 135 € (≈S$215) fines and a 3‑point penalty on the 12‑point licence. Severe violations can lead to licence suspension if the driver’s behavior endangers others.
In short, France is putting a tiny brakespanon (a tongue‑in‑cheek figurative “tiny brake”) on the highway to keep the nation—and its citizens—safe. Will the public bite the bullet? Time will tell, but the roads will definitely be a lot less “speedy”.
