What can we learn
from this study?
The SARTRE 3 survey has clearly identified examples of good and bad practice. It is necessary
for safety practitioners, and perhaps individual drivers, in each country
to look at the results of the surveys and review how their country is
performing compared to the benchmark provided by other countries taking
part in the study.
• The SARTRE 3 survey revealed that a large proportion of European drivers were concerned about
road safety. In addition, they recognise that driver behaviour is a significant
risk factor in accidents. In general, they are in favour of enforcement and even
of more severe penalties, especially for drinking and driving.
• It seems that an overall strengthening of traffic regulations will be
necessary to improve safety, especially if the EU fatality reduction target is
to be achieved.
However, this will need to be accompanied by mass media education and publicity
campaigns to improve
public awareness and support for measures that may place restrictions on their
behaviour. In particular, it will be necessary to address the issues of
speeding, drink-driving and the wearing of seat belts. More enforcement
will be required, although this will be more effective if it is visible
rather hidden.
Attention needs to be given to what the public sees as being fair, since
without public support interventions will fail. While drivers are prepared
to accept restrictions to promote road safety, this support will disappear
if the measures are seen as being ways of raising revenue rather than preventing
accidents. It will be important, therefore, that extensive information is
given to public as to the benefits of the measures.
• It seems remarkable that many countries still have such low seat belt
wearing rates, given the time that they have been around, how effective they
have been shown to be in reducing the severity of accidents, and people's willingness
to wear them while flying. New ways should be found to convince users to increase
their seat belt use with campaigns focusing on the countries where drivers exhibit
more risky behaviours, such as Italy, Slovakia, and Cyprus.• In
all countries, drivers, and other road users, most at risk should be
targeted to reduce the types of behaviour presenting the most problems.
In many cases, this will mean targeting young men, those with a high
income and those driving long distances each year.





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