Inspired by SARTRE (Social Attitude to Road Traffic Risk in Europe), the ESRA project conducts surveys every 3 years among road users in 38 countries to understand their representations and behaviours on the road.
Common attitudes and perceptions.
In the 38 participating countries, road safety is a major concern. In France, 76% of respondents said they were concerned, a higher result than the European average (69%). Latin American countries with high mortality also feel very concerned (86%). Walking and driving are the most common modes of travel. Public transport appears to be the safest. Motorcycles and bicycles are the most risky.
30% of respondents admit to using the phone while driving or not wearing a seat belt. 70% report speeding on motorways.
However, fewer than 30% of respondents consider these risky behaviours acceptable.But they feel that others are more tolerant than they are of risky behaviour.
In all countries, speed and driving under the influence of alcohol are perceived as the main causes of accidents. 80% of participants support a zero tolerance for drink-driving. Respondents in Latin America are the most supportive of road safety measures.
The French have a lower perception of the risks associated with alcohol and speed than all Europeans.
It can be seen that only 64% of French people have a perception of the risk associated with speed, while 72% of all Europeans perceive that risk.
Excessive speed is the most frequently self-reported risk behaviour. This risk factor is socially accepted up to 28%, which is high.
Similarly, only 82% of French people perceive that alcohol can increase the risk of accidents. France is therefore below the 88% rate among European respondents.
However, only 7% of French people accept this behaviour, but it is still higher than the ESRA group average. France is among the countries where participants report driving most after drinking alcohol (41%).
