RITS: Driver Attitudes and Behaviour Tracking. Main findings for July 2015 and February/March 2016 (Waves 11 and12) T N S

Transcription

1 RITS: Driver Attitudes and Behaviour Tracking Main findings for July and February/March (Waves and) 1

2 Contents 1 Background and method 2 Driver behaviour Awareness of penalties 1 Driver attitudes: across range of issues 2 Perceptions of seriousness of at risk 2 behaviours Summary and Insights 2

3 1 Background and method

4 Background and objectives Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland tend to run 2- main mass media campaigns per year, supported by other activity on a more localised level, as part of a wider strategy to reduce road casualties The main campaign topics during were country road driving, parental influence, motorbikes and drink driving festive These campaigns are generally evaluated on an ad hoc basis among their specific target audiences at the point in time when they are running However it was recognised that there was no on-going tracking to assess the longer term effect of campaigns or local activity on driver behaviours and attitudes more generally are there any changes occurring in these over time and are these for the better? Against this background, a survey mechanism was set up in September to monitor driver behaviour and attitudes in Scotland in relation to some key issues of road safety on a continuous basis

5 Research Method Omnibus Survey among adult drivers in Scotland Around 1,000 in-home* interviews are conducted each wave among a representative sample of the population of Scotland aged + using TNS omnibus Respondents screened to interview only active drivers (i.e. adults who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays) Wave : drivers; - 1 August Wave : drivers; 2 February March Further 1 young drivers interviewed February March (giving total sample of drivers aged -2) Similar boost in February and to allow results of young drivers to be tracked separately Previous fieldwork dates: Wave 1- Sep ; Wave 2- Feb ; Wave - Sep ; Wave - Feb ; Wave - Aug ; Wave -Feb ; Wave -July ; Wave -Feb ; Wave -July ; Wave -Feb Questionnaire very consistent with previous waves * Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing

6 2 Driver behaviour

7 Driver behaviour key findings Following some signs that speeding behaviours were on the increase, the figures for the latest wave (Feb ) have reverted back to levels previously recorded. The latest proportions claiming to do the measured speeding behaviours are therefore largely in line with those recorded at the first wave of the survey, in. With typically very low percentages claiming to drink and drive, or drive after taking illegal drugs, these at risk behaviours fluctuate slightly wave on wave. Usage of hands-free mobiles is at the highest level seen for past two waves, with slightly under a quarter of all drivers claiming to have done this a significantly higher number than at the early stages of the research monitor. Not using a seatbelt in the back of car (when one available) has dropped back slightly at the latest wave, and the overall downward trend has therefore been maintained. The figures for young drivers are typically higher at each wave across all at risk behaviours. However as the sample size is significantly lower, the movements captured to date do not indicate any clear trends.

8 Upward trend in speeding behaviours has been halted at latest wave, with a notable decline for driven at 0mph on the motorway Speeding behaviours 2 2 Sep ' 0 0 Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () 1 2 July ' () Feb ' 2 2 July ' (0) 2 Feb ' () 1 2 July ' () Feb ' () Any speeding* Driven at mph in a mph speed limit area Driven at 0 mph on the motorway Not continually adjusted your speed to the conditions when driving on country roads** Sped up through amber* Driving at 2mph in a mph zone* Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: Which of the following have you done at all in the last months, even if only on one occasion or for a short distance? *Speeding on amber added at July and 2mph in mph zone added at Feb ; ** Slight wording amendment in July

9 Minor fluctuations reflecting low levels of drink/drug driving behaviours results generally stable, though a fall to previous levels for drug driving Drink and drug driving behaviours Any alcohol Driven when unsure if over the legal alcohol limit or not Driven when over the legal alcohol limit Driven after taking illegal drugs Sep ' Feb ' Sep ' Feb ' (0) () (0) 0 Aug ' (0) 0 0 Feb ' July ' () () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () 0 Feb ' () Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: Which of the following have you done at all in the last months, even if only on one occasion or for a short distance?

10 Use of hands-free has stabilised at latest wave following slow rise over last 2 years, while handheld continues to decline, falling to lowest point Mobile phone behaviours Any mobile phone related Used a mobile phone with a hand-free kit while driving Used a handheld mobile phone to call*, text or while driving 0 Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: Which of the following have you done at all in the last months, even if only on one occasion or for a short distance? *Amended wording to include to call at Feb

11 Not using seatbelt in back of car reverted back to a declining trend; after minor fluctuation not wearing seatbelt in front seems to have plateaued Seatbelt behaviours Any seatbelt related 2 Not used a seatbelt in the back of a car when available Not used a seatbelt in the front of a car Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: Which of the following have you done at all in the last months, even if only on one occasion or for a short distance?

12 No changes on either of these behaviours at the latest waves (the large increase at July is due to the change in the wording) Other behaviours Carried on driving when you are aware of feeling tired or sleepy* Overtaken when you think you will just make it 0 Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: Which of the following have you done at all in the last months, even if only on one occasion or for a short distance? *Wording changed to..feeling tired or sleepy from too tired in July

13 Upward trend on most behaviours in past months has been halted bringing levels back towards the norm. Seatbelt usage shows best long term improvement. Summary - all types of behaviours Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () 2 Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: Which of the following have you done at all in the last months, even if only on one occasion or for a short distance? 0 Feb ' () Any Any illegal Any speeding* Any mobile phone related Any seatbelt related Any alcohol related Any drug related * New behaviours added to speeding category at July and Feb

14 No clear trends emerging yet among young drivers on these behaviours Main at risk behaviours among : -2s Driven at mph in mph zone 0 2 Driven at 2mph in mph zone 0 Sped up through amber 1 *Carried on driving when feeling tired 2 Used mobile with hands free kit Not used a seatbelt in back/taxi 2 2 Feb (2) Feb () Feb () Used a hand-held mobile to text/call/ 1 * Wording changed from too tired for Feb Base: All aged -2 who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: Which of the following have you done at all in the last months, even if only on one occasion or for a short distance?

15 Driving at 0mph on motorway and not using a seatbelt when driving show signs of decline among young drivers Lower incidence at risk behaviours: -2s Driven at 0mph on motorway 1 2 **Not adjusted your speed to conditions driving on country roads* Overtaken when you think you will make it Not used a seatbelt in front of car Feb (2) Feb () Driven when you are unsure if over the alcohol limit Feb () Driven when over the legal alcohol limit Driven after taking illegal drugs **Wording changed from Driven too fast for the conditions on a country road for Feb Base: All aged -2 who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: Which of the following have you done at all in the last months, even if only on one occasion or for a short distance?

16 Drop in speeding and seatbelt behaviours reflected in lower average: proportion in + group almost back to earlier levels recorded carrying out none to five or more at risk behaviours Mean no. of at risk behaviours Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () July ' (0) Feb ' July ' () Feb ' () Aug ' (0) Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Sep ' None Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: Which of the following have you done at all in the last months, even if only on one occasion or for a short distance? Young Drivers Mean Feb :.2 Feb :.0 Feb :.1

17 Relationship between age and at risk behaviours strongest for mobile phone usage Risk driving behaviours by age (February, W) () - () - (0) - () + () Any risk Any illegal Any speeding Any mobile phone related Any seatbelt related Any alcohol related Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: Which of the following have you done at all in the last months, even if only on one occasion or for a short distance?

18 Awareness of penalties

19 Key findings on awareness of penalties associated with different behaviours As found previously, around half the sample () have ever been penalised, with points on licence (0) and fines for speeding (1) being most prevalent. Last year there had been signs of increasing awareness of the penalties for driving over alcohol limit. The latest figures have fallen back across most penalties. The biggest drop recorded in Feb/March was for criminal record. Following the change in the legal drink drive limit this had reached a high level of just under a third but was mentioned by less than a quarter at the latest wave. Last year we reported a rise in mentions of fine and points on driving licence to high levels in respect of awareness of penalties for driving at mph in mph zone. Since then mentions for each of these have fallen back. Following a sharp rise in those mentioning a verbal warning between Feb and July, this has also dropped back at the latest wave. Awareness levels of a fine and points on a licence have remained relatively high (2 and 2 respectively) and stable, in respect of penalties for using a hand-held mobile. Reference to a verbal warning remains much lower () although it has increased gradually in the last two years. Mentions of a verbal warning in respect of a penalty for not wearing a seatbelt have also been increasing in the last two years. *Figures shown are for Wave in Feb/March 1

20 Receipt of a speeding fine and points on licence have increased since summer but no overall trends emerging Penalties ever had for driving () 0 Any Points on licence Fine for speeding Driving ban Fine for not wearing seatbelt Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Fine for using mobile when driving Attended speed awareness course* Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays? (prompted) Q: Which of these have you ever had? *New in July

21 Awareness of most penalties has declined in last mths, with criminal record showing a significant drop since last wave aware of penalties for driving over the alcohol limit 1 Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () 0 2 July ' () Feb ' () A fine Points on driving licence Disqualified / lose licence for a year Disqualified / lose licence for more than a year A criminal record A prison sentence Have car taken away for good Don't know Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: What do you think are the penalties if a person is caught by the police for? T N S

22 Trends showing increasing awareness of criminal record and disqualification for over a year appear to have ended Awareness of penalties for drug driving A fine Points on driving licence Disqualified / lose licence for a year Disqualified / lose licence for more than a year A criminal record A prison sentence Have car taken away for good 0 Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Don't know Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: What do you think are the penalties if a person is caught by the police for?

23 Mentions of verbal warnings and points continue to fluctuate sometimes converging and, as latest wave, diverging Awareness of penalties for driving at mph in a mph area A fine Points on driving licence A verbal warning Any disqualified (net) 0 Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Don't know Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: What do you think are the penalties if a person is caught by the police for?

24 Reference to a fine has levelled off but remains at a higher level. Awareness of disqualification is rising slowly after dip in Feb Awareness of penalties for driving at 0mph on a motorway A fine Points on driving licence 0 A verbal warning Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () 2 Feb ' () Any disqualified (net) A criminal record Conviction Don't know Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: What do you think are the penalties if a person is caught by the police for? 2

25 Awareness of most penalties continues to decline, with only verbal warnings receiving more mentions since last wave Awareness of penalties for using a hand-held mobile phone when driving A fine Points on driving licence 0 A verbal warning Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) 1 Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Any disqualified (net) Don't know Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: What do you think are the penalties if a person is caught by the police for? 2

26 Verbal warning at highest level since whereas fine at lowest. Points continues to fluctuate wave on wave with no long term trends Awareness of penalties for driving without a seatbelt in front A fine Points on driving licence A verbal warning Any disqualified (net) 0 Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Don't know Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: What do you think are the penalties if a person is caught by the police for? 2

27 Similar pattern at recent waves for awareness of penalty for passengers without seatbelt: reference to a fine has fallen to lowest level whereas a verbal warning is increasing Awareness of penalties for travelling as passenger without wearing a seatbelt when one is available A fine Points on driving licence A verbal warning 0 Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Don't know Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: What do you think are the penalties if a person is caught by the police for? 2

28 In contrast to July verbal warning was much less likely to be named at latest wave, while little change for other penalties 0 Awareness of penalties for drinking from a bottle, can or cup of soft drink when driving A fine Sep ' 2 Feb ' (0) Sep ' () 1 Feb ' (0) 21 Aug ' (0) Feb ' () 1 July ' () 21 Feb ' July ' (0) 1 Feb ' () 2 1 July ' () 1 Feb ' () Points on driving licence A verbal warning No penalty / not an offence Don't know Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: What do you think are the penalties if a person is caught by the police for? 2

29 Driver attitudes: across range of issues

30 Recall of main campaign topics has fallen marginally since last wave country roads the exception. seen driving / road safety advertising seen recently main campaigns (spontaneous) 0 2 Drink driving Driving on country roads Driving with children in the car* Tiredness/not driving when sleepy** A 0 Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () Jul ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: Have you seen or heard any advertising or publicity on topics relating to driving or road safety recently? On what topics? *Amended wording **New in July

31 Relatively little movement on these topics largest shift recorded for recall of motorbikes (after summer campaign in ) seen other driving / road safety advertising seen recently (spontaneous) Drug driving Speeding Motorbikes Seatbelts Mobile phones when driving 0 Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () Jul ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Cycling Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Q: Have you seen or heard any advertising or publicity on topics relating to driving or road safety recently? On what topics? 1

32 Following dip recorded last year, awareness of campaigns among young drivers has reverted back to levels Driving / road safety advertising seen recently among -2s Drink driving Driving on country roads Speeding 2 Mobile phones when driving Motorcycles Cyclists 1 Seatbelts Drug driving Being distracted when driving Driving with children in car Young drivers s - Feb (2) -2s - Feb () -2s - Feb () Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q. Have you seen or heard any advertising or publicity on topics relating to driving or road safety recently? On what topics? 2

33 Attitudes towards drink driving Perceptions of Scotland getting tougher on drink driving have fallen back slightly over the past two waves, after peaking with the introduction of new alcohol limit legislation in Dec Agreement with other statements related to the change it is ok to drive if you do not have more than one drink and even one drink can get you over the limit have also fallen back after the initial post-legislation peak, though seem to have settled at a new, more positive norm Among -2 year olds the pattern for attitudes towards drink driving is the same albeit less pronounced

34 Agreement that Scotland is getting tougher in tackling drink driving continues to decline, following marked shift when limit changed Agreement Scotland is getting tougher in tackling drink driving Total agree Agree strongly Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How much do you agree or disagree that

35 Agreement levels regarding these drink driving attitudes have now levelled off after shift in Feb following change in legal limit Agreement with further statements about drink driving As long as you don t have more than one alcoholic drink, it s generally okay to drive Even one alcoholic drink could put you over the drink drive limit I would report someone who I suspected was going to drink and drive, or who was drink driving Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Mean Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How much do you agree or disagree that

36 Attitudes towards Scotland s approach to tackling drug driving appear to be settling at a slightly lower level than seen a year ago Scotland should get tougher in tackling drug driving AT W- Scotland is getting tougher in tackling drug driving AT W Total agree 1 1 Agree strongly Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that

37 Among young drivers views on Scotland s record on drink and drug driving have softened, falling to levels below those seen prior to the drink driving legislation Agreement with statements among -2 year olds Scotland is getting tougher in tackling drink driving Scotland should get tougher in tackling drug driving 1 2 Total agree Agree strongly Feb ' (2) Feb ' () Feb ' () Feb ' (2) Feb ' () Feb ' () Base: All -2s who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that

38 Positive changes year on year in relation to acceptability of having one drink among young drivers. But decline in proportion agreeing they would report drink driving Agreement with further statements about drink driving among -2 year olds As long as you don t have more than one alcoholic drink, it s generally okay to drive Feb (2) Feb () Feb ' () 2 1 Mean Even one alcoholic drink could put you over the drink drive limit Feb (2) Feb () Feb ' () I would report someone who I suspected was going to drink and drive, or who was drink driving Feb (2) Feb () Feb ' () 0. Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Base: All -2s who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that

39 Attitudes towards country road driving Drivers remain split regarding attitudes towards a 0mph speed limit, with agreement levels having changed little since July where there was a peak in agreement Recognition of the importance of driving to the conditions on country roads has remained relatively constant over the past waves Perceptions of fatalities being more likely on country roads have risen significantly in February, returning to levels previously seen after a dip in agreement seen in July. A considerable proportion (around a third) of drivers still do not agree nor disagree with this statement, continuing the need for strong messaging on this point

40 Levels of support for a limit of 0mph on country roads remains unchanged, and the widely held view that you should adjust speed has also remained steady Agreement with statements about Country Roads (1) There should be a maximum speed limit of 0mph on all country roads because of the greater risks when driving on these Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Mean You should continually adjust your speed when driving on country roads* Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that * Minor change in text from you need to continually assess your speed 0

41 Agreement that fatal accidents are most likely to happen on country roads has risen significantly since July, reaching previous levels Agreement with statements about Country Roads (2) Sep ' 1 Mean 0.1 Feb ' (0) Sep ' () More fatal accidents in Scotland happen on country roads than on any other type of road Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () 2 0. Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that 1

42 Young drivers remain less convinced of need for 0mph max limit, and need to continually adjust speed, but are equally aware of higher fatalities in country roads no notable movement between waves Agreement with statements about country roads; -2s There should be a maximum speed limit of 0mph on all country roads because of the greater risks when driving on these Feb (2) Feb () Feb ' () Mean You should continually adjust your speed when driving on country roads to allow for changeable road conditions* Feb (2) Feb () Feb ' () More fatal accidents in Scotland happen on country roads than on any other type of road Feb (2) Feb () Feb ' () Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that * Wording changed Feb from You need to continually reassess your speed when driving on country roads 2

43 Attitudes towards seatbelts July had seen an increase in more relaxed views on seatbelts, though this has returned to previous levels, with agreement that seatbelts are not always essential remaining generally low. Views on wearing seatbelts in taxis or the back of a car continue to fluctuate, with just over a fifth agreeing that it is not important. The latest agreement levels are closer to the norms seen since. The proportion of younger drivers agreeing that seatbelts are not always essential has fallen since, while the share of those agreeing the it is not important to wear a seatbelt in the back of cars or in a taxi has increased slightly at the latest wave.

44 A small but not significant decline in agreement that seatbelts are not essential for quick journeys brings it back to prior levels If you are just nipping around the corner in the car, it s not essential to wear a seatbelt Total agree Agree strongly Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that

45 Minor fluctuations in attitude on seatbelt wearing in back/taxi sizeable minority (more so males) continue to consider it unimportant It s less (Sep -Feb )/It s not (Jul onwards ) important to wear a seatbelt if you are travelling in the back of a car or taxi Total agree Agree strongly Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that

46 Agreement amongst young drivers that seatbelts are not essential has fallen over then past two years, though agreement that they re not important in the back of a car or taxi continues to fluctuate Agreement with statements among -2 year olds If you are just nipping around the corner in the car, it s not essential to wear a seatbelt It s not important to wear a seatbelt if you are travelling in the back of a car or taxi Total agree Agree strongly Feb ' (2) Feb ' () Feb ' () Feb ' (2) Feb ' () Feb ' () Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that

47 Attitudes towards cyclists There continues to be relatively broad consensus amongst drivers that there should be more respect between different road users, with a significant increase in agreement in February, returning to previous levels seen. Agreement that cyclists have the same rights as car drivers remains reasonably high with around three quarters () agreeing, and this has changed little over time. Drivers continue to be divided in terms of being annoyed by cyclists on the road, with around two fifths () admitting to being annoyed. Again, this metric has changed little in recent waves. Attitudes amongst the -2 year olds towards cyclists have improved at the latest wave, marking a recovery to levels seen previously. Agreement amongst younger drivers that cyclists are often to blame for accidents involving cars has fallen to its lowest level.

48 Support for mutual respect amongst road users has improved at the latest wave, while attitudes towards cyclists rights remain steady Agreement with statements about other road users/cyclists There needs to be more respect between different road users: drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Mean Feb ' 2 0. Cyclists have the same rights as car drivers on the roads July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that

49 These attitudes to cyclists are also unchanged, though a gradual decline in agreement that cyclists are to blame for accidents is emerging Agreement with statements about cyclists among all drivers Feb ' 2 1 Mean -0. When I m in the car I often get annoyed by cyclists on the road July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Feb ' Cyclists are often to blame for accidents involving cars July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () 1-0. Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that

50 Attitudes towards cyclists amongst -2s have improved: there has been a recovery in agreement with the need for respect and that cyclists have the same rights as cars on the roads Agreement with statements about cyclists among all drivers There needs to be more respect Feb (2) 1. between different road users: Feb () 2 1. drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians Feb () Mean Feb (2) 0. Cyclists have the same rights as car drivers on the roads Feb () Feb () Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How much do you agree or disagree that 0

51 Attitudes towards cyclists amongst -2s have improved; a reduction in younger drivers being annoyed by cyclists, accompanied by a significant reduction in those agreeing that cyclists are often to blame for accidents Agreement with statements about cyclists among all drivers Mean When I m in the car I often get annoyed by cyclists on the road Feb (2) Feb () Feb () Cyclists are often to blame for accidents involving cars Feb (2) Feb () Feb () Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How much do you agree or disagree that 1

52 Attitudes towards driving behaviour generally Perceptions that there is not much risk of getting caught for offences reached their lowest point in February, possibly as a result of drink driving legislation, but agreement has been rising steadily since then. Agreement with being more likely to be stopped by police than a year ago has been in decline since February. This decline may reflect an adjustment in attitudes after a peak in agreement with the introduction of legislation mentioned above. Disagreement that penalties wouldn t deter drivers from offences such as speeding and using mobile phones has strengthened at the latest wave continuing the long term improvement seen for this metric since. The performance of these metrics amongst -2s has been mixed, with views that they re more likely to get stopped than a year ago returning to previous levels, as seen with the wider driving audience. Agreement levels that penalties are not a deterrent has fallen significantly, however, and are now lower than those seen amongst all drivers. 2

53 Perceived risks of getting caught reached lowest level in Feb - possibly as a result of change to drink drive limit - but continues to creep back up Agreement with statement about chances of detection by police Sep ' 2 Mean -0. Feb ' (0) 1-0. There s not much risk of getting caught by police for things like not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone when driving or driving slightly over the alcohol limit Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that

54 Perceptions of being more likely to be stopped compared to a year ago also continue to decline, after peaking in Feb - post change to drink drive limit Agreement with statement about likelihood of getting stopped by police Mean Sep ' Feb ' (0) There is more chance of getting stopped by the police for traffic offences when driving compared to a year ago Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that

55 Influence of penalties has strengthened at latest wave, following signs of softening of their deterrent effect in July Agreement with statement about influence of penalties on offending behaviour Mean The penalties for getting caught for driving offences like speeding and using a mobile phone aren t enough to stop me doing it July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that

56 Attitudes towards detection by police among young drivers have weakened since last year. Conversely, claimed impact of penalties on offending behaviour has improved Agreement with statements -2s There s not much risk of getting caught by police for things like not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone when driving or driving slightly over the alcohol limit Feb (2) Feb () Feb () Mean There is more chance of getting stopped by the police for traffic offences when driving compared to a year ago Feb (2) Feb () Feb () Penalties for getting caught for driving offences like speeding and using a mobile phone aren t enough to stop me doing it Feb (2) Feb () Feb () Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that

57 A small minority continue to find answering a hand held mobile acceptable Agreement with statement about mobile phone usage It s okay to answer a hand-held mobile phone if someone calls you when you are driving Sep ' Feb ' (0) Sep ' () Feb ' (0) Aug ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Mean Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that

58 A decline in agreement about setting a good example for children in cars has continued since July, with the latest wave marking a significant decline Agreement with statement about influence of children in the car Mean When I m driving with children in the car I know I should be more aware of my driving behaviour* July ' () Feb ' July ' (0) Feb ' () July ' () Feb ' () Agree strongly (+2) Agree slightly (+1) Neither nor (0) Disagree slightly (-1) Disagree strongly (-2) Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave Q: How m uch do you agree or disagree that * Wording changed July

59 In July drivers who take risks showed more acceptance of drink driving than non-risk takers Mean score: Wave results Strongly disagree Strongly agree Scotland is getting tougher in tackling drink driving Any risk behaviour () None () Scotland should get tougher in tackling drug driving Even one alcoholic drink could put you over the drink drive limit As long as you don t have more than one alcoholic drink, it s generally okay to drive I would report someone who I suspected was going to drink and drive, or who was drink driving Base: All with a driving licence for a car who drive (), all who had done any risk activity () and all those who had no t () at W Q: How much do you agree or disagree that

60 In Feb difference in attitudes between at risk drivers and non-risk drivers was less pronounced Mean score: Wave results Strongly disagree Strongly agree Scotland is getting tougher in tackling drink driving Any risk behaviour () None () Scotland should get tougher in tackling drug driving Even one alcoholic drink could put you over the drink drive limit As long as you don t have more than one alcoholic drink, it s generally okay to drive I would report someone who I suspected was going to drink and drive or was drink driving Base: All with a driving licence for a car who drive (), all who had done any risk activity () and all those who had no t () at W Q: How much do you agree or disagree that 0

61 Drivers who undertake at risk behaviours and those that do not hold broadly similar attitudes Results for Feb, W NET Agree None () 1 (1) 2 (0) - () + () It s okay to answer a hand-held mobile phone if someone calls you when you are driving 2 If you re just nipping round the corner in the car, it s not essential to wear a seatbelt There is more chance of getting stopped by the police for traffic offences when driving compared to a year ago I would report someone who I suspected was going to drink and drive or who was drink driving When driving with children in the car I know I should be more aware of my driving behaviour* The penalties for getting caught for driving offences like speeding and using a mobile phone aren t enough to stop me doing it ` NB: Caution small base sizes *Wording changed July from When I am driving with children in the car I m always conscious I need to be a good role model to them 1

62 Perceptions of seriousness of at risk behaviours and driver distraction

63 Perceived seriousness of risks associated with driving behaviours The hierarchy in terms of the risks associated to the safety of drivers, passengers and other road users, is clear: drink driving and driving after taking drugs are regarded as very serious by the vast majority, whereas driving mph and mph over the speed limit on motorways or in cities/towns respectively are the least likely to be regarded in this way. The proportions rating each behaviour as very serious has fluctuated over time but there has generally been an increase across each of these at the latest wave. Among -2 year olds, the pattern of results is broadly similar with the exception of: Use of hand-held mobiles recorded the th highest level rating of seriousness among all drivers, compared to th highest for young drivers. Furthermore whereas 0 of all drivers rated this as being a very serious risk significantly fewer younger drivers did so (). Speeding up through amber emerges among all drivers, as well as young drivers, specifically, as relatively low risk compared to other at risk behaviours.

64 Perceptions of seriousness have increased generally, most notably for drink driving, using a hand-held mobile and not adjusting speed on country roads Rating of seriousness of risk behaviours in February (W) rating as very serious July () Feb () July (0) Feb July () Drinking and driving when over the limit Driving after taking drugs Not wearing seatbelt in front Using hand held mobile Drivers not paying enough attention to motorcyclists or cyclists *Driving without adjusting speed to conditions on country roads Driving when tired Not wearing seatbelt in back **Speeding up through amber 2 n/a n/a n/a n/a Driving at mph above speed limit on motorways Driving at mph over speed limit in cities/towns Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave ( at Wave ) Q: How serious do you think each of these are in terms of the risks to the safety of drivers, their passengers and for other road users? *Minor wording change Feb **New in July

65 Perceptions amongst -2s of the seriousness of these offences has recovered since the last wave, particularly for seatbelts in back. Some differences with all driver sample Rating of seriousness of risk behaviours -2s rating as very serious Feb () Feb (2) Drinking and driving when over the limit Driving after taking drugs 2 Not wearing seatbelt in front 1 Drivers not paying enough attention to motorcyclists or cyclists Using hand held mobile Driving without adjusting speed on country roads* 0 Not wearing seatbelt in back 1 Driving when tired Speeded up through amber Driving at mph above speed limit on motorways Driving at mph over speed limit in cities/towns 2 2 n/a n/a 2 Base: All -2s who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays at each wave ( at Wave ) Q: How serious do you think each of these are in terms of the risks to the safety of drivers, their passengers and for other road users? *Minor wording change Feb **New in July

66 Those with low levels of focus remain steady at around one in ten Ratings from 1 to on level of focus when driving: always completely focused to 1 never completely focused () Feb' July' (0) Feb' () July' () Feb' () MEAN Base: All who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Qa. There are a number of ways you might be distracted when driving, by the radio, the sat nav, passengers, your mobile, eating, changing music etc. On a scale of 1 to where is always completely focussed and 1 is never completely focused, how would you generally rate your level of fo cus?

67 Levels of focus amongst younger drivers also fairly consistent over time Ratings from 1 to on level of focus when driving: always completely focused to 1 never completely focused () Feb' -2 (2) Feb' -2 () Feb' -2 () MEAN... Base: All -2s who hold a full driving licence for a car and drive nowadays Qa. There are a number of ways you might be distracted when driving, by the radio, the sat nav, passengers, your mobile, eating, changing music etc. On a scale of 1 to where is always completely focussed and 1 is never completely focused, how would you generally rate your level of fo cus?

68 Summary and Insights

69 Findings and insights Research findings The recent upward trend in speeding behaviours has not continued at the latest wave. However, over the course of the tracking period, since, the proportions admitting illegal speeding are unchanged. Usage of hands-free mobiles shows some signs of stabilising after a period of growth, possibly reflecting increased blue-tooth in-car connectivity. Usage of hand-held mobiles on the other hand is at lowest level recorded. The not wearing of a seatbelt in the back of car shows one of the clearest downwards trends since the survey monitor started in September. Insights In comparison to all other at risk behaviours assessed, driving at mph over the limit in a built up area is the least likely to be perceived as posing a very serious risk to drivers, passengers and other road users, especially among young drivers. Achieving any reduction on this particular behaviour therefore remains a key challenge With the penalties associated with mobile phone usage increasingly being seen to be softer, or indeed unknown, the lack of any increase in this at risk behaviour is encouraging. Arguably the strong and widespread consensus against this behaviour is helping to prevent any rise. Despite verbal warnings becoming increasingly associated with this offence, the softening of attitudes towards drivers not wearing seatbelts noted in July was not repeated at this latest wave. However, with the numbers not wearing a seatbelt in the front remaining at a low, but unchanging level, the perceived risks of not doing this should be monitored closely.

70 RITS: Driver Attitudes and Behaviour Tracking Main findings for February (Wave ) Presentation to Road Safety Scotland and Scottish Government: April 0

71 Demographic profile of active drivers in sample GENDER AGE SEG AREA Feb Un-wtd Feb Wtd (2) July Un-wtd (0) July Wtd (0) Feb Un-wtd () Feb Wtd () July Un-wtd () July Wtd (2) Feb Un-wtd () Male 2 1 Female ABC C2DE West 1 2 East / South 2 0 North Feb Wtd () NB: Weighting applied to overall sample to match general population of Scotland. Then, results were filtered among drivers, hence slight difference in weighted profile at each wave 1