Starting from the assumption that a definition of appropriate speeds cannot be given independently of what road users think and feel with respect to this question, 100 semi-standardized interviews with car drivers and 100 semi-standardized interviews mainly with pedestrians were made in 6 European countries (Austria, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, Spain and Sweden). The results should provide a basis for an efficient communication with road users, when 'selling' measures for achieving appropriate speeds. Both, car drivers and pedestrians were asked with respect to the following headings: Assessment of speeds, including assessment of speed limits and actual speeds on relevant road types; What criteria are used by the interviewees for assessing speed problems; Contribution of one's own behaviour to the identified problems; Explanations for one’s own behaviour; Supposed motives of the others; Acceptance of the present situation; Are measures to reduce speeds necessary?; Acceptance of measures. The results show that both groups (car drivers and pedestrians) find that actual speeds are too high, but as expected, pedestrians do more so. The interviewed car drivers agree that they contribute to the problems with their own speed behaviour. They rationalise their own motives for problematic speed behaviour. To the other car drivers they attribute slightly more egoistic and irrational motives. Almost half of both groups think that speed reducing measures are necessary. However, pedestrians prefer efficient measures that have a direct impact on car drivers speed choice, while car drivers prefer measures that leave the decision to themselves. The results are elaborated to provide recommendations, with the long term goal to change road users behaviour, and here especially car drivers behaviour, in a way that it is acceptable for all members of society. (Author/publisher)
Abstract