The Netherlands is a strictly law abiding country. Granted, many of the people and establishments over which the rules and regulations govern may be considered extreme in other nations. Yet Dutch society at large has achieved a harmonious environment based on sensible and realistic policies.
Smart rules equate to safety, right?

I read recently on a Dutch news site this heading from January '08: "Man fined for not running over cat". Indeed, 45 year-old Cees Schuurmans from Schiedam has been fined €75 because he did not run over a cat which was crossing the road. He was fined for not obeying traffic signals, as the lights had turned from red to green.

A rare example of rigidity that is blind to the malleable nature of life, especially in a country known for its practicality and cool-headedness. Mr. Schuurmans has made a formal complaint, as most of us would. Let us salute this hero among drivers.