This report describes the survey that was carried out within the framework of the Social Attitudes to Road Traffic Risk in Europe (SARTRE) project. Sixteen research institutes from fifteen European countries have undertaken a similar survey in their country in 1991-1992. This survey was conducted among a representative sample of car drivers. The report results from the European Union's Directorate General VII (DG VII) request. The aim was to write a policy document on the SARTRE project, and to present the project's main policy implications, at a meeting of the High Level group in Brussels on 23 November 1994. Important results are as follows: (1) The car drivers' concern of for road safety has more to do with the other people's behaviour than with their own behaviour; (2) Human factors are more often seen as cause of accidents than vehicle characteristics; (3) Breaking speed limits is seen as very common. However, legislation is considered as important; (4) A great majority of European drivers favours a lower legal alcohol limit; (5) Seat belt use is strongly dependent upon habituation. Habitual use is a consequence of legislation and police enforcement; and (6) there is support for both the improvement of driver training, and for a tougher driving test.
Samenvatting