Scottish Government

3. ATTITUDES AND EXPERIENCES

Introduction

3.1 All of the focus groups opened with a short session exploring participant attitudes to road safety, and what makes a good driver and a good passenger. These sessions were managed through short discussions in small buzz groups, followed by feedback to the whole group. This allowed us to gather important and relevant information, while easing participants into the group with some relatively simple, broad questions.

3.2 We then moved on to detailed exploration of participant attitudes and experiences of road use as a driver and as a passenger. This included detailed discussions on driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs; seatbelt wearing; speeding; using mobile phones while driving; tiredness; and urban and rural roads. This section sets out our findings from the focus groups on these issues.

General Views on Road Safety

3.3 We opened by asking participants what thoughts, associations and images spring to mind when thinking about 'road safety'. The main associations were:

Table 3.1: Thoughts, images and associations with 'road safety'

3.4 The 16 to 19 year olds tended to associate road safety more with physical road design and crossing the road. They also thought more immediately of safety as a pedestrian or cyclist, rather than as a driver. The 20 to 25 year olds tended to make more and wider ranging suggestions - including mentioning driving habits, attitudes to driving and drink driving. This may reflect the fact that there were more drivers in the older groups. Non-drivers were more likely to focus on road safety as a pedestrian, while drivers focused on driving behaviour.

"It's everything - from traffic lights to seatbelts." (Non-driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, urban)

What Makes a Good Driver?

3.5 The participants identified a wide variety of factors which make a good driver. These are listed below in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2: A good driver:

3.6 The most commonly mentioned factors related to being calm, focused, careful, thoughtful and aware. This reflects the findings of other research (Department for Transport, 2007 and 2008, and Road Safety Scotland, 2007).

3.7 Participants also mentioned that a good driver knows and obeys the law. Participants in one group of young men (16 to 19) mentioned that a good driver looks after their car through maintaining it - for example checking the oil. Young women in both groups said that a good driver looks after their passengers, for example by thinking about their safety and telling them to wear their seatbelts. Fewer young men mentioned this. Drivers, rather than non-drivers, tended to say that passenger safety was important.

3.8 A small number of participants mentioned that past experiences can make you into a good driver. For example, one young man felt that having a bad experience (such as crashing your car) could make you into a better driver.

"I crashed my car when I was younger and it made me a better driver... just being so much more aware, the fact that anything can come out of nowhere." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, urban)

3.9 Participants in three groups (all aged 16 to 19) mentioned that using indicators was a sign of good driving. Four young men in one group (aged 16 to 19) all agreed that a bad driver was one who shows off, speeds, takes drugs or drinks, drives without insurance or a licence, or drives stolen cars. Young women (20 to 25) agreed that a bad driver shows off, is immature, speeds and overtakes 'stupidly'.

3.10 Participants sometimes linked good driving to age. Bad drivers were sometimes seen as immature. A minority of participants expressed awareness that younger people were more likely to be involved in a road accident than older people - generally through hearing about this in the news. But most participants thought that being a good driver was not linked to age.

"Just because you've been driving for ages doesn't mean you can drive." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

What Makes a Good Passenger?

3.11 There was a high level of agreement on what made a good passenger. A good passenger was seen as someone who was calm and did not distract the driver, while also occasionally providing help - for example through acting as a 'second eye' or helping with directions. A minority of participants mentioned that good passengers should always wear their seatbelt, and should tell the driver if they were driving badly.

Table 3.3: A good passenger:

3.12 There was some debate about how much help a passenger should provide. While most participants said that a good passenger is helpful, both drivers and non-drivers agreed that passengers should not interfere too much or act as a 'back seat driver'.

"I hate back seat drivers. It adds frustration." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

"It's good to have a second eye, in case you miss something." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.13 We also discussed whether the drivers felt safer when driving, or as a passenger. Almost all of the drivers felt that they were safer when driving themselves, rather than when travelling as a passenger. Overall, the women felt slightly less strongly about this than the men.

Drinking Alcohol, Taking Drugs and Driving

3.14 At each group, a considerable proportion of time was dedicated to discussing experiences and views on taking alcohol or drugs and driving. Participants generally found this an interesting issue, and had lots of say. More on experiences and views is set out below.

Acceptable limits for drinking alcohol and driving

3.15 Many participants were very unsure about the legal limits for drinking alcohol and driving and about how long alcohol takes to leave your system. We asked everyone whether they thought that it was safe to drive after two drinks. The vast majority of participants - in all of the focus groups - disagreed.

3.16 There were variations in views on whether it was okay to drink anything and drive. Some participants said that it was okay to have a small amount to drink - if you were sure that you could still drive safely.

"A better driver can drink more - I've done it" (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, urban)

"I don't think my reactions would be influenced at all if I had two drinks" (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.17 Some felt that it was okay to drive if there was a sufficient time lapse between drinking and driving a car:

"I wouldn't judge it on how I felt; I'd judge it on time" (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, urban)

3.18 Many participants said that how much you have had to eat could affect how you cope with alcohol, as well as your weight. There was a common view among young men that larger men were better able to cope with alcohol than smaller women. One participant said that young people tended to drink to get drunk and that there was not much point in taking the risk of just having one drink and driving.

3.19 Others said that it was not worth it:

"It's so unnecessary. For the sake of one drink why risk having an accident" (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, urban)

"As a rule I wouldn't drive if I had had anything to drink" (Driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, rural)

"I wouldn't risk having one drink. Even if I've been drinking the night before I'll walk to work in the morning." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, female, rural)

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

3.20 Initially, when the topic of driving over the alcohol limit, or under the influence of drugs was raised in each group, most participants said that it was something that they would never do. The young people all said that they would never drive when over the alcohol limit. The only exception was in an emergency situation - for example if a family member was very ill.

3.21 Only one participant said that he had knowingly driven while over the limit. Again, this may be due to participant confusion about what the legal limit is. Many participants did give examples of driving after drinking some alcohol, and their stories suggest that some may have been over the limit. In addition, participants may not have wanted to admit to this type of behaviour, even though we emphasised the anonymity of the groups.

3.22 The participant who did admit to driving over the legal limit said that it had been in an emergency situation. He was in a pub and had heard that a family member did not have much time to live. He had driven a couple of miles to the hospital and talked about his experiences:

"My mum and dad knew I did it and were really unhappy. They said I could have ruined some other family's life. I could have veered off and killed a kid... I don't think I should have done it now, but you have to be in that situation where you have to make the choice." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.23 The same participant said that he believed that he had regularly driven when over the limit on the morning after a night out, particularly on a Sunday morning.

Travelling With a Driver Under the Influence of Alcohol

3.24 Although only one participant said that he had driven while over the limit, most participants had examples of friends who had done so.

"I know some people who have done it, and then when they're sober they're full of regret and cannae believe they done it." (Non-driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, urban)

"I know a guy who could hardly walk and he drove from St Boswell's to Gala(shiels). I don't know how he wasn't in an accident. He was maybe just lucky." (Non-driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.25 We asked participants whether they would get into a car driven by someone who had been drinking, as long as it was not too much. Over half said that they would not. Drivers were much less likely to do so than non-drivers. A very small minority of participants mentioned that they would be more likely to travel with a friend who had been drinking if this was their only way of getting home:

"I'd get in if it was convenient." (Non-driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.26 But as part of the broader discussion, many participants had examples of travelling in the car with a driver who was over the limit. Other research has also found this (Road Safety Scotland, 2007). Participants were much more likely to get into a car with a driver who was over the legal limit if they themselves had been drinking. This was a particular issue raised by participants in the focus groups in the Scottish Borders.

"If my mate's drunk and I'm drunk, I'd probably get in - but not if I'm sober." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

"I wouldn't get in the car with someone who was over the limit - but I have before when I was drunk." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, female, rural)

"I was in a car with someone who had been drinking - I had too so didn't realise." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, female, rural)

3.27 In the focus groups in Glasgow, the participants tended to give examples of being in the car with someone who had had one drink, but was not "off their face". The young people in the 16 to 19 year old age group often mentioned they had been in the car with their parents after they had an alcoholic drink.

3.28 Many participants talked about trust when making the decision whether to travel with someone who had taken alcohol (or drugs). Many mentioned that they would not get into the car with a stranger or friend of a friend who had been drinking alcohol - but they may do so if it was a friend or sibling.

"You wouldn't go with someone you didn't know - like a mate's mate - but it's okay if you trust the person. It's all about trust." (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, urban)

"If it was a mate and he'd had about 3 pints then I'd probably get in." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.29 Many said that if they knew the driver well, they were more confident that they would make a sensible decision about whether they were able to drive. And they felt that it was easier to ask your friend if they felt safe to drive.

"You can just ask, like 'are you mad wi' it?' and they'll tell you. If it's your friend." (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, urban)

"If you know someone well enough to get in the car with them you should be able to ask them." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, female, rural)

3.30 Many participants believed strongly that drivers cared about their passengers and would not put them in danger.

"It's his little brother - he's not going to drive dangerously if his brother's in the car" (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, urban)

3.31 Others mentioned the distance to be travelled and the perceived risk to others:

"I have got in the car when the driver is drunk. But not for any distance" (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

"My friend drove 1_ miles down his drive when drunk. There was no real risk. He drove it every day and there was no-one else around" (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.32 Overall, almost everybody in all six groups had examples of either travelling in a car with a driver who had been drinking some alcohol, or friends who had driven while over the limit.

Taking Drugs and Driving

3.33 We asked participants a deliberately provocative question about whether they thought 'taking drugs and driving was okay, as long as you don't get caught'. Very few agreed with this. The 16 to 19 year old men attending the rural focus group were the most likely to agree. But, on discussion this group said that they felt it was only okay to take prescription drugs and medicines, but not illegal drugs.

"Taking drugs and driving isn't okay - it's obvious." (Non-driver, 16-19 year old, male, urban)

"If you can't walk or open your eyes why would you be able to drive?" (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, female, rural)

"The effects of drugs can linger - you don't know how long they are in your system." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, female, rural)

3.34 Many participants said that it depended on the kind of drugs.

"Cannabis is less of an issue but you still shouldn't get in a car." (Non-driver, 16-19 year old, male, urban)

"If you mean coke or heroin, I don't think so but if it's just smoking..."(Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, rural)

"I don't agree with a joint, it's a hallucinogenic it makes you more laid back." (Non-driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, urban)

3.35 No-one said that they had taken drugs and driven. But four young men gave examples of friends who had done so - three at a Glasgow focus group, and one at a Scottish Borders group.

3.36 One of the four gave an example of this happening on only one occasion:

"We went to someone's house and smoked a few joints. We waited ages and then my girlfriend drove home. She was fine but then she panicked because she couldn't see the road at all. We almost crashed." (Non-driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.37 This young man said that he and his girlfriend had believed that they had waited long enough for the drugs to be out of her system. But with hindsight they realised that the effects of drugs can be much longer lasting than they expected.

3.38 The other three young men (all aged 16 to 19, and in the same group) gave examples of regularly and knowingly travelling in a car with drivers who had taken drugs. Two of them (who were friends) stated that in their area, lots of people took drugs (mostly skunk - a strong form of cannabis) and drove. This was often because people did not drink for religious reasons, and drugs were more common.

"People in our area often chill out, have skunk in their car and just drive around the same place." (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, urban)

"I've seen people just smoke all night and drive around the area." (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, urban)

3.39 Another man in the same age group regularly travelled with his brother when he had taken drugs. Although he knew it was not good to take drugs and drive, he still felt relatively safe because it was his big brother whom he trusted. But others had a totally different view on taking drugs and driving - seeing it as totally unacceptable.

"If I thought the driver was on drugs I'd get out of the car at the first chance." (Non-driver, 16-19 year old, male, urban)

3.40 Generally drinking and driving was seen as more acceptable than taking drugs and driving. Overall, the young men had far more to say on this topic than the women. In some cases, participants appeared to lose confidence talking about experience of drugs and driving because of the reactions of other participants. In the future, this issue may be best explored in smaller groups or individual interviews.

Seatbelt Wearing

3.41 We asked participants whether they always wore their seatbelt, or if it depended on who they were with. Almost one quarter of participants (12) said that they did not always wear their seatbelt. Non-drivers were much less likely to always wear their seatbelt than drivers. Male participants and those in the Glasgow focus groups were also less likely to wear their seatbelt at all times.

3.42 The majority of participants said that they wore seatbelts all of the time when travelling in a car. They felt that this was an automatic reflex, something that they always do.

"I'd feel naked without a seatbelt, even just moving the car a few feet." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, female, rural)

"Young people are more likely to wear a seatbelt. Parents are less likely as they didn't always have to do it."
(Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, urban)

3.43 Some participants were also influenced by television adverts and experiences of friends.

"I know someone who broke his nose on the front seat because his friend crashed. They were only going at 30." (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, urban)

3.44 Participants were not always influenced by the experiences of friends who were injured because of not wearing their seatbelt. For example, the young man who told us this story still did not always wear his seatbelt.

"There was a boy from Gala[shiels] and he went through the window because he didn't wear his seatbelt. Now he's brain dead." (Non-driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.45 In most of the groups there were one or two participants who said that they did not always wear their seatbelt. Four (three young women and a man) mentioned that they would sometimes put their seatbelt on, but then take it behind their back instead of across the chest.

"I think wearing a seatbelt's about my own safety and I think it's a hassle. I have been stopped by the police so I've been putting it on more recently. I feel claustrophobic when I wear it." (Driver, 20 to 25, female, rural)

"If it's going to be a fuss to put it on you just don't." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.46 Generally the participants who did not always wear their seatbelt were less likely to wear it in the back seat than the front.

"If my three mates are in the back seat, they're all big guys, sometimes it can just be a hassle... it can irritate you." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.47 It also depended on how long the journey was, how many passengers there were, how busy the roads were, who they were with and if they had drunk alcohol.

"If I was just going round the corner I wouldn't put one on." (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, female, urban)

"I don't wear it in Hawick because there are less folk and so there's less chance of crashing, but I would if it was like Hawick to Galashiels." (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, rural)

"If I've had a drink I don't think about my seatbelt." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.48 The reason for not wearing a seatbelt clearly seemed to be hassle, and size of the car or number of passengers. It did not seem to be about image for this age group.

"It's not that it isn't 'cool'. It's the inconvenience." (Driver, 16 to 19 year old male, urban)

3.49 Although one young man in the 20 to 25 age group thought that teenagers often did not wear their seatbelt due to image, this was not backed up in our discussions with 16 to 19 year olds.

3.50 Many participants mentioned that they did not wear their seat belt in a taxi. Even some of the participants who had previously said that they always wore their seatbelt said that they did not wear it in a taxi. Some said they had not really thought about why this was before, but said it was just what they were used to.

3.51 In a similar vein, participants also talked a lot about trusting the driver. If the driver had a reputation of being involved in crashes, participants would be more likely to put their seatbelt on. But others disagreed with this:

"It's often not to do with the driver's experience but about other 'nutters' on the road - so you need to put the belt on."

3.52 We asked participants whether they checked that others wear their seatbelt in the car. Just over half of all participants said that they did check. There were a number of very clear trends:

• drivers were much more likely to check than non-drivers;
• participants in rural areas (who were mainly drivers) were more likely to check than those in urban areas; and
• young women were slightly more likely to check than young men.

3.53 Drivers said that they would always check whether children had their seatbelts on, but there were mixed views about whether they would check adults. This was often because the driver had a sense of responsibility towards children - and could also get fined. Some drivers thought that they could get fined even if their passenger was older.

"I have a young sister and I always tell her to put it on." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, female, rural)

"I would tell passengers to put their seatbelts on. It's the driver who gets fined at the end of the day." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, urban)

3.54 A minority of drivers said that they did not always check.

"I don't know if I always think about it - I'm more caught up in what I'm doing when I'm driving." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, female, rural)

3.55 Non-drivers were much less likely to check if others were wearing a seatbelt, and were more likely to not wear a seatbelt themselves. Some participants mentioned that their parents always check, and this encouraged them to put their seatbelt on.

"If someone encourages you to do it, you do it." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

Speeding

3.56 Most young people thought that speeding was very common.

"Everyone does it. I don't know a single person who drives at 30mph. Even my mum, she's a driving instructor." (Non-driver, 20 to 25, male, urban)

"Speeding has been made okay - everyone does it." (Driver, 16 to 19 year old, female, urban)

"You should never speed, but you can't help it. Sometimes the speed limit is 30 and there is no need for it." (Driver, 16 to 19 year old, female, urban)

3.57 Almost everyone said that it was more acceptable to speed on a quiet road or a road where there were no pedestrians.

"The only roads where it's not okay to speed is where kids are - built up areas." (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, urban)

3.58 Many participants thought that it was okay to speed on motorways, which were seen as more 'predictable' - in that they are straighter, there is less stopping and starting, there are clear rules for overtaking, entering and exiting the road, and there are fewer pedestrians and other hazards.

"I was on the M6 at 3am and there was no-one else there. I was the only person in the car. What harm is it to go fast?" (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.59 Some young men also felt that there was a difference depending on how well you know the roads, and the type of car you are in. Being able to 'handle' the speed was a common theme:

"It depends how well you know the roads. Around here you know you can handle it." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.60 Generally participants seemed to think that it was okay to go at around 80 (up to 90) miles an hour on a motorway, and between 60 and 70 on rural roads.

3.61 Four 16 to 19 year old men had very different views on speeding - related to stealing cars. This was the same group that talked about drivers commonly taking drugs and driving. The discussion was dominated by two young men who clearly had experience of travelling in and driving stolen cars. They said that they would go very fast in a stolen car:

"It's not your car so you're not bothered about damaging it." (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, urban)

3.62 These young men said that people often went too fast if they were fighting with another group of guys.

"If you're getting chased when you're fighting you just go as fast as you can. Even if you go past a school and there's people about you just swerve to avoid them." (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, urban)

3.63 Speed cameras were not seen as much of a deterrent - only slowing you down for a short while. But all of the 20 to 25 year old men at the rural discussion group had very strong views on speed cameras. They said that having speed cameras on straight bits of the road meant that people got frustrated - and did dangerous things like overtaking on corners.

Mobile Phones and Driving

3.64 There were very varied views on whether it was okay to use your mobile phone while driving. There was no clear agreement between research participants on this issue.

"Talking on the phone is not a big deal. It's just like talking to a mate." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

"I never answer my phone; never pick it up." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, urban)

Tiredness

3.65 Tiredness was not often mentioned as a major influence on how young people drive. A few participants mentioned that exhaustion could make them drive more dangerously. We asked participants whether as a driver they would stop if they were tired, or keep going. Very few participants said that they would stop.

3.66 When travelling as a passenger, participants had a very high degree of trust that if their friend said they were not too tired to drive they would be safe. The issue of tiredness and how driving when tired could be prevented is discussed in more detail in Chapter 4 (paragraph 4.48).

Urban and Rural Roads

3.67 We asked participants whether they thought that roads in town were more dangerous than roads in the country. Overall, around two thirds of participants thought that rural roads were more dangerous. Participants attending the Glasgow focus groups tended to think that rural roads were more dangerous - but there was a lot of disagreement and discussion around this in both areas.

3.68 Some participants thought that country roads were safer because they are quieter. Many felt that in town there was a much higher volume of traffic, and that this resulted in more accidents.

(in urban areas) "...there are a lot more cars and people doing stupid things." (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, rural)

3.69 Three participants said that because there was more grass in the countryside, you would be less likely to hurt yourself.

"If you crash in the country, you just crash into grass. You'd be fine." (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, urban)

"You're not going to kill anyone, you're just going to crash onto grass." (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, rural)

3.70 But others thought that rural roads were more dangerous:

"You could be going round a corner and think there's nothing coming, and then crash if there is a car there." (Non-driver. 16 to 19 year old, male, urban)

"If you're in a car crash in the countryside, nine times out of ten it's going to kill you." (Driver, 20 to 25 year old, male, rural)

3.71 Some participants thought that both were equally dangerous, and that you needed different skills and experiences to negotiate different types of road safely. Very few participants seemed aware that fatal crashes involving young people were far more common on rural roads.

Insurance and Driving Licences

3.72 In one group (a mini focus group in Glasgow) significant issues arose relating to driving without a licence and insurance. In this small group of four young men (aged 16 to 19) all claimed that driving without insurance or a licence was really common. This was particularly the case for two young men (who were friends) who said that people drove without a licence because the driving test was difficult - either they fail or do not even try. The theory test was seen as difficult and as it gets harder it seems to put some people off taking the test.

"Your friend gives you their ID and if you are stopped [by the police] you say you are them." (Non-driver, 16 to 19 year old, male, urban)

3.73 The young men said that sometimes parents let their children drive uninsured and unlicensed, but more commonly friends or older siblings lend their cars. None of the participants in the other groups mentioned these issues.

Summary - Attitudes and Experiences

• Road safety is most closely associated with physical road design and safety as a pedestrian - particularly among the 16 to 19 year old age group.
• A good driver is seen as being calm, focused, thoughtful and aware, whereas a bad driver shows off and does not pay attention.
• A good passenger is calm and does not distract the driver, while also providing some help and advice (but not too much).
• Only one participant admitted that they had driven after drinking over the legal limit. But participants were very unsure what the legal limit was.
• Almost all participants had examples of friends driving after drinking over the legal limit. Participants were much more likely to travel with a driver who had been drinking if they had been drinking themselves.
• Young people had very high levels of trust in their friends. They were much more likely to get into a car with a friend who had been drinking than a stranger.
• Driving under the influence of drugs was generally seen as unacceptable - with the exception of prescription drugs. But cannabis was much more common and acceptable than other drugs like speed and cocaine.
• Drivers rarely thought of the risks to themselves - either of being in an accident or getting caught driving dangerously. They focused strongly on risks for passengers and other road users.
• Participants had a perception that speeding was very common and acceptable - particularly on quiet roads and motorways.
• Most participants said that they wore seatbelts all of the time. Those who did not were more likely to wear their seatbelt in the front than the back seat of the car, often because it was seen as more of a hassle to put your seatbelt on in the back.
• There were very varied views on whether talking on mobile phones while driving was acceptable, but there was general agreement that texting was unacceptable.
• Very few participants seemed aware that fatal crashes involving young people were far more common on rural roads.
• A very small minority of participants had personal experience of driving illegally - in stolen cars, without a licence, and uninsured.
• Participants' views were not fixed and the young men and women did sometimes change their views or contradict themselves throughout the group.