Groningen’s “Mario Kart” Bend Under Investigation After Series of Accidents
Dozens of accidents on the "Mario Kart" ring road curve have led experts and the province to review road design, driver behaviour, and vehicle factors, with solutions expected in October.
A notorious bend on Groningen’s ring road, nicknamed the “Mario Kart” corner, continues to cause frequent accidents despite earlier safety measures. Since opening in July 2024, dozens of drivers have skidded off the connecting curve between Ring South (N7) and Ring West (N370), with some weekends seeing multiple incidents in a single day.
The province of Groningen, responsible for the road, has acknowledged the problem and launched a comprehensive investigation into its design, driver behaviour, and vehicle factors. The findings are expected in October.
Previous Safety Measures Not Enough
Earlier this year, the province removed a perpendicular gutter in the bend and laid a rougher layer of asphalt in an attempt to improve grip. A 50 km/h speed limit sign was also installed. However, these adjustments have failed to prevent accidents. Even cautious drivers, such as Gert-Jan, who took the bend at 50 km/h in wet weather, have lost control. Witness Marloes described narrowly avoiding a collision after a Mini in front of her spun out and hit the guardrail twice.
Local residents have set up a webcam to monitor the corner, capturing multiple accidents and near misses within days. The footage shows many cars beginning to slide at the start of the bend rather than halfway through, as previously assumed.
Expert Opinions on the Cause
Traffic psychologist Cees Wildervanck points to the bend’s sharp 90-degree turn and glare from backlighting as contributing factors, suggesting the installation of large red arrow signs to visually guide drivers. Racing enthusiast Gianluca De Leo believes many incidents occur because drivers enter from the Ring South at high speeds and begin braking only once in the bend—especially dangerous for front-wheel drive cars. Driving instructor Robby Westra agrees, adding that the blind corner and sudden braking create a loss of control.
Both experts note that poor vehicle maintenance, worn tires, bad suspension, or faulty shock absorbers can increase the risk. Westra also warns that the corner’s nickname might psychologically encourage drivers to “push the limits,” contributing to risky behaviour.
Next Steps
ProRail and the province are considering additional safety measures, potentially including large warning signs or even further structural changes. The October report will determine whether the road’s design itself is inherently unsafe and what actions will be taken to reduce the high accident rate.