French 18-25 year olds underestimate driving style-linked dangers, study shows

According to a TNS Sofres study on driving styles for Axa, the frequency of driving and the kilometres travelled annually by France’s 18 to 25 year olds are higher than the national average. The study, which focuses on 350 young drivers in this demographic in addition to 1,200 other drivers, shows that they underestimate the dangers of using smartphones while driving. The study also showed that 62% of 18 to 25 year olds drive when they are tired.
May 2, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
According to a TNS Sofres study on driving styles for Axa, the frequency of driving and the kilometres travelled annually by France’s 18 to 25 year olds are higher than the national average. The study, which focuses on 350 young drivers in this demographic in addition to 1,200 other drivers, shows that they underestimate the dangers of using smartphones while driving. The study also showed that 62% of 18 to 25 year olds drive when they are tired. Mobile phones are also a problem with 34% saying they call while driving (as opposed to only 18% in 2004). The danger is even greater for 42% who telephone while driving without a hands-free kit. One in five consults or sends SMS messages while driving. They also drive longer without resting. Thirty per cent do so occasionally, up from 23% in 2004. Only 20% drive faster than 170km/h on motorways, up from 30% in 2004. Fourteen per cent drive after having consumed four to five glasses in 2004, as opposed to 6% in 2014.

According to the TNS Sofres study, women are still better drivers than men. The stake of women was up in ten years to represent 50% of all drivers. The stake of drivers aged 55 to 75 went from 30% in 2004 to 40% in 2014. The stake of young drivers has been reduced from 8% to 4%.
Highway & Network Management

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