Survey points to dangerous decline in French driving standards

Based on a survey by TNS Sofres in February 2011, Axa Prévention reports that French driving standards are deteriorating and drivers seem to have lost their awareness of the risks.
May 21, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Based on a survey by TNS Sofres in February 2011, Axa Prévention reports that French driving standards are deteriorating and drivers seem to have lost their awareness of the risks.

Two thirds of drivers do not stop at amber traffic lights, rising to 94 per cent of drivers aged under 25. Since 2004 the proportion of drivers who feel this poses a danger has fallen from 63 per cent to 55 per cent. Some 54 per cent of drivers to not use indicators, regardless of the penalty, while some 49 per cent of drivers drive in built-up areas at 65 kmph even though 69 per cent feel this is dangerous.

There is mounting concern over the use of mobile phones at the wheel, also reported by Ifsttar and Inserm. Some 34 per cent of drivers use mobile phones while driving, and one sixth use SMS messaging at the wheel. This rises to 39 per cent in the under 25 age group. Some 27% of drivers take the wheel after two drinks. The survey also found that despite awareness campaigns, the proportion of drivers who drive for five hours without a break has risen to 33 per cent. Drowsiness at the wheel is said to be the biggest cause of motorway fatalities.

The slipping driving standards have been attributed to complacency, as since 2003 drivers have become used to obeying the road safety authorities rather than exercising self-regulation.

Related Content

  • Volvo participates in self-driving car project
    December 3, 2013
    Volvo Cars will play a leading role in the world's first large-scale autonomous driving pilot project in which 100 self-driving Volvo cars will use approximately 50 kilometres of selected public roads in everyday driving conditions around the Swedish city of Gothenburg. These roads are typical commuter arteries and include motorway conditions and frequent queues. The project also includes fully automated parking, without a driver in the car. The ground-breaking project 'Drive Me - Self-driving cars f
    Read More
  • Tolling trends and technology at ASECAP’s Madrid meeting
    May 24, 2016
    As ASECAP prepares for its annual gathering - this year in Madrid - Carole Défossé looks at what is on the programme. At ASECAP’s (the European Association of Operators of Toll Road Infrastructures) 44th annual meeting, known as Study and Information Days, the key theme will be the role of toll motorways in ensuring integrated and sustainable mobility in Europe.
    Read More
  • Most EV charging ‘takes place at home’
    July 30, 2015
    New analysis by plug-in vehicle campaign Go Ultra Low suggests that British motorists could no longer have to rely on the conventional petrol station. More than 90 per cent of electric vehicle (EV) charging takes place at home while total charging volumes have almost tripled since 2014, according to new usage data from leading infrastructure provider Chargemaster. Coupled with bumper uptake of plug-in vehicles – more than 14,500 were registered in the first half of 2015 – the new findings point to the po
    Read More
  • New Mersey crossing ends Halton’s congestion misery
    December 5, 2017
    Plagued by intolerable congestion but denied government funding for its solution, tiny Halton Borough Council relentlessly pursued its vision and achieved what many believed impossible. Halton may be a small local authority in north west England, but it had a big traffic problem. However, as the road, or more particularly the bridge, involved was not deemed a strategic route, central government would not commission or even fund a solution - a problem that many other local authorities will recognise.
    Read More

Highlighted Content