A critical review of SARTRE

SARTRE (Social attitudes to road traffic risk in Europe) is a questionnaire-based research project conducted by a consortium of European researchers across participating countries. It main aims are to measure car drivers' reported behaviours, to identify the range of support for traffic regulations and safety measures, and to search for underlying social and cultural factors that might influence road behaviour. The research design enabled comparisons between the participating European countries. Across all time periods and countries a sample of 1000 respondents was considered optimal. Difficulties with sampling, data collection and questions are discussed. The UK data are considered in comparison to that of other European countries. Differences in the interpretation of legal blood alcohol limits and drinking were noted between Italy and the UK. For causes of accidents, UK participants considered that drinking and driving, followed by driving too fast and by following the vehicle in front too closely were the main causes of accidents whereas speed should have been the most important factor, followed by bad weather. Many drivers did not consider their own speeding behaviour to be dangerous, especially young male drivers. More stringent drinking and driving laws are shown to be more difficult to comply with. It is considered that the number of questions in the SARTRE questionnaire should be extended and that some questions should be revised. For the covering abstract see ITRD E138063.

• Authors:
  • GORMLEY, M
  • FULLER, R
• Publication Date: 2006-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Serial:
  • BEHAVIOURAL RESEARCH IN ROAD SAFETY 2006 - SIXTEENTH SEMINAR
  • Issue Number: p17-27

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Conferences; Drivers; Prevention; Safety; Sociology; Traffic regulations
• Geographic Terms: Europe
• ITRD Terms: 1661: Accident prevention; 2267: Attitude (psychol); 8525: Conference; 1772: Driver; 8034: Europe; 2253: Sociology; 1544: Traffic regulations
• Subject Areas: Law; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01102809
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: TRL
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jun 16 2008 8:38AM