A 25-year-old man from Zoetermeer was the first to be brought to court today for violating a new law against “recklessness in traffic”. At the beginning of April the man drove unnecessarily slowly on both lanes of the N470. He also had his phone and a laughing gas balloon in his hands.
The new law has been in force since the beginning of this year, which means that reckless road users can be more severely punished, even if they have not caused damage or accidents, for example. Today, the Public Prosecution in The Hague demanded six weeks in prison and a two-month driving ban as punishment.
“The behavior of the suspect has created a life-threatening situation,” said the public prosecutor. “His behavior was unpredictable, so that others – who were driving faster – suddenly had to brake or swerve. The fact that no one has driven another car is a minor miracle.”
The judge will rule in two weeks.
Confusion
Minister Grapperhaus announced the law two years ago to be able to punish traffic offenses more severely. He was there “done with it” that drivers endangered other road users “because they have to text something if necessary”.
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