In 2002, a large-scale traffic survey, known as SARTRE ('Social Attitudes to Road Traffic Risk in Europe'), was carried out in 23 European countries including the Netherlands. In each participating country, a representative sample of approximately 1000 car driving licence holders was asked about their opinions on measures, speed limits, new technical in-car equipment, crash causes, own and other drivers' traffic behaviour, and experiences with police control etc. This study compares the Dutch results of 2002 with those of 1996 (See ITRD 892353). A number of results of the SARTRE survey are presented here. Dutch motorists regard hands-free phoning less dangerous than hands-on, although research has shown that both ways are equally dangerous. Since 1996, there have been positive changes regarding the wearing of, and attitude towards, the seatbelt. In 1996, four of the ten wanted a higher speed limit on motorways, compared to more than half in 2002. There is much support (more than 70%) for more bicycle paths in cities and improving the quality of roads. As far as European measures are concerned, more than 70% supports introducing a penalty point system and a 0 promille alcohol limit for novice drivers. More than 70% also supports possible new measures, for instance, an obligatory rehabilitation course for drivers who have been caught drink-driving more than once. In spite of a considerable intensifying of traffic enforcement during 1998-2002, nearly two-thirds say that they are (strongly) in favour of more police traffic control. However, since 1996, this support for more control has declined slightly. During the period 1996-2002, the subjective chance of getting caught for speeding has increased. The Dutch motorist is also compared with the average of motorists from a group of seven European countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland). A number of deviations from the average were noted, for example that the Dutch motorist: is more in favour of increased penalties for driving while intoxicated; and is more in favour of higher speed limits on motorways. This
Abstract