This article first reviews the relation between safety and reported accidents and why fatality statistics are often used to measure safety. The main reasons why such a high level of accident risk is acceptable and then discussed. These include: (a) travel mobility is rated higher than safety; (b) the risk of having an accident, although high for society as a whole, is small for each individual; (c) individuals think that they can control whether they have an accident or not, as most are caused by human factors; and (d) `human error' has become the universal explanation for everything. The reasons for human errors are then analysed, and the problem of human risk taking when driving is discussed. Various driver tasks and models are renewed. The relationship between attitudes and behaviour is analysed. Finally, the various measures which can be taken to improve driving behaviour and thereby reduce accidents are presented. It is concluded that the lack of responsibility that is shown by road users has several causes. The main ones seem to be: (a) the individual road user normally does not appreciate that there is any risk; (b) present road traffic conditions are such that they encourage aggressive driving; and (c) the general attitude towards road transport and safety appears to be wrong.
Abstract