For years, the general direction of motoring policy has been to slow things down. Lower speed limits, stricter emissions rules, and traffic restrictions have all been part of the push to make roads safer, quieter, and more environmentally friendly.
But in the Netherlands, some sections of highway are actually getting their speed limits raised. After cutting the limit to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) back in 2020, the Dutch government is now bringing back 130 kilometers per hour (81 miles per hour) on select stretches of the A7 and A6 freeways.
But before you get your hopes up that you’ll be able to speed through the freeways, it’s important to note that this is happening only on sections where studies showed that proposed increased speed didn’t increase noise, pollution, and more importantly, accidents. All things considered, this is a fascinating shift in policy that challenges the long-held idea that slower is always safer.
And it raises an interesting question: Could something like this work in other countries, particularly the US?
For decades, we've been taught that speed kills. And sure, in urban areas, school zones, residential areas, heavy traffic, or bad weather, higher speeds absolutely increase risk. But on wide-open highways with good visibility and proper road design, one could argue that faster is indeed safer.
You see, one of the biggest dangers on a highway isn’t just speed itself—it’s speed differences. When some vehicles are moving significantly slower than others, you get more lane changes, more overtaking, and more opportunities for accidents. A well-matched speed limit, where the majority of traffic flows at a similar pace, can actually make roads safer by reducing sudden braking, tailgating, and risky maneuvers.
Germany’s Autobahn is a prime example of this. While parts of it have no official speed limit, studies show that accident rates aren’t dramatically higher than in places with strict caps. The key is disciplined driving, road quality, and enforcement of lane discipline—things that don’t always come naturally in every country.
And so the Netherlands seems to be taking a similarly data-driven approach. After testing the impact on pollution, noise, and crashes, the government found that bringing back 130 kilometers per hour (81 miles per hour) on certain roads didn’t worsen safety or environmental factors.
And then there’s the topic of motorcycles. We two-wheeled folk add an interesting dynamic to the discussion. Unlike cars, where drivers are passive within a protective shell, motorcyclists actively manage their balance, positioning, and visibility. This engagement often makes riders more situationally aware, and in some cases, maintaining a higher speed than surrounding traffic can be safer.
Lane-splitting and filtering, which are already legal in several countries and some parts of the US, operate on a similar principle: allowing motorcycles to move efficiently rather than being stuck in stop-and-go traffic, where they’re actually more vulnerable. In fact, you might even argue that motorcycles should have slightly higher speed limits than cars in open-road conditions, as their ability to maneuver quickly and avoid hazards is different from that of a four-wheeler.
Of course, this idea would require quite a lot of research, real-world testing, and inevitably, time, to come to fruition. But considering motorcycles’ unique dynamics, I’d say that it’s worth exploring whether a flexible speed policy for two-wheelers could enhance both safety and traffic flow.
That being said, the US already has a patchwork of speed limits, with some states allowing up to 85 miles per hour (137 kilometers per hour) in rural areas. But many highways are still stuck with lower limits that don’t always match road conditions. Could a Netherlands-style approach work in the States? Possibly, but it would depend heavily on enforcement, driver behavior, and road design.
At the end of the day, the Netherlands’ decision to raise speed limits in certain areas is a refreshing example of policy being shaped by data rather than blanket assumptions. It’s the way policies should be crafted, studied, and implemented. And maybe, just maybe, other countries could take a similar approach. One thing’s for sure: it’s an interesting move that could set the stage for more nuanced speed policies around the world.
Sources: Le Repaire Des Motards, Motor Biscuit
