VINCI Barometer: Drivers Take Risks Behind the Wheel!
This page is translated from the original post "Baromètre VINCI : les conducteurs prennent des risques au volant !" in French.
- 17/05/2023 16:36
Vinci Autoroutes unveiled its Responsible Driving Barometer today. Those under 35 take the most risks behind the wheel.
On the eve of the Ascension Bridge, the Vinci Autoroutes Foundation warns about the unnecessary risks drivers are taking. Motorists under 35 are singled out because they take the most risks.
Ipsos conducted this study on more than 12,400 people across 11 different European countries. The barometer reports four risky behaviors: using the phone while driving, driving while fatigued, not respecting the Traffic Code, and not wearing a seatbelt.
Additionally, this barometer reveals that men engage in more of these dangerous behaviors than women. 19% of them drive under the influence of drugs and 15% drive while intoxicated. This is quite dangerous, especially knowing that drugs and alcohol slow down the driver’s reaction time.
Smartphones, one of the main risk factors behind the wheel
The smartphone is the leading distractor while driving according to the VINCI barometer. Over 23% of drivers under 35 watch movies or videos while driving. 55% of them use Bluetooth to make calls, distracting them from the behavior of other drivers on the road.
On average, European drivers under 35 report not always wearing their seatbelt (30%) and take breaks on the highway every 2 hours and 57 minutes. As a reminder, Road Safety recommends a pause of 20 to 30 minutes every two hours on the highway.
What is responsible driving?
It seems obvious, but some practices must be banned as soon as you sit behind the wheel. In any case, this is the advice from Road Safety, which is launching a prevention campaign in companies starting Monday.
The Road Safety at Work Days offer an opportunity for employers to raise awareness among their employees about the real risks of irresponsible driving. To this end, they have recorded a series of videos on the topic, highlighting various risky behaviors. In 2021, 454 people died during commuting trips.
We therefore recommend following these tips to avoid the same fate:
- Set your phone to “Driving” or “Do Not Disturb” mode;
- Fasten your seatbelt as soon as you start your car;
- Do not consume drugs or alcohol while driving (the SAM will be your best ally);
- Take regular breaks during your trip.
We hope these tips will be helpful and that you’ll stay attentive at the wheel!
Also read: Driver assistance, guardian angels… sometimes burdens
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