The drivers also criticized careless traffic behavior and a lack of consideration. After inappropriate speed, carelessness or distraction is the main cause of fatal traffic accidents. In the survey commissioned by Continental Reifen Austria, a total of 849 drivers were surveyed online by GfK in May. 44.9 percent stated that they drive up to 10,000 kilometers a year in their car. 51.6 percent get upset about other drivers on a regular basis. For 87.3 percent of those surveyed, the lack of attention from other road users is one of the greatest sources of danger, for example when they are distracted by their smartphone, headphones or similar. The concern about a lack of attention is entirely justified, as more than one in three drivers (35.4 percent) in Austria admitted to having been distracted by their mobile phone while driving.
A lack of consideration (81.3 percent) was named second most frequently, followed by negligent traffic behavior (79.9 percent). This includes, for example, if another driver does not signal, drives without lights or does not comply with minimum distances. Eight out of ten respondents named overconfidence as another major danger, as well as excessive speed (75.8 percent), overtaking maneuvers (73 percent), alcohol and drug consumption (68.7 percent) or a lack of traffic knowledge (59.6 percent), such as a lack of knowledge to priority regulations, traffic signs or the like. On the other hand, by far the fewest (38.1 percent) are concerned about a possible hazard caused by the roadworthiness of the vehicles of other road users.
40.6 percent of the drivers surveyed stated that they had already been involved in a traffic accident. Driver assistance systems can offer helpful support in terms of driving safety. However, only 28.1 percent of the drivers surveyed state that they trust driver assistance systems because they help or have helped them to keep calm in demanding situations. “Basically, drivers should pay attention to a careful and defensive driving style and not just look for mistakes in others. In addition to their own driving behavior, driver assistance systems such as the automatic spacer or the right-turn assistant offer additional safety – for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians,” emphasized Robert Dworczak, tire expert at Continental Tires Austria.
Source: Nachrichten
