A survey of drivers' attitudes to a number of road safety issues was carried out using a national sample of 1600 full car licence holders. The study represented a `follow-up' to the UK part of a cross-national survey originally conducted ten years ago by the International Drivers' Behaviour Research Association (IDBRA) (see IRRD 233393). The results show that certain attitudes and opinions have changed markedly over the ten year period. Respondents' perceptions of their driving environment, particularly their view of other drivers' behaviour, such as speeding and close following, and the role played by alcohol in road accidents, reflect increased public concern for road safety issues. There has been a shift towards increased support for remedial measures involving improving driver behaviour and the road network, and away from making improvements to vehicle design and testing. Attitudes towards the police and their role in road safety have also changed; satisfaction with `current' police activity appears to have fallen markedly between the two surveys. The survey showed a very sizeable increase in the feeling that `more' needs to be done about the enforcement of speeding and drinking and driving. With respect to seat belts, there has been an increase in the number of people who thought these were `very effective' in providing protection during accidents. Regarding the compulsory use of restraints in the rear of cars, drivers were more favourably disposed to compulsory rear restraint use for children than for adults
Abstract