European community for mobility management

The Dutch campaign 'A proper driver does let his attention stray' (Een beetje chauffeur laat zich niet afleiden) is aimed to to make drivers aware of the risks run while using electronic gadgets when driving. In 80% of accidents and 65% of near-accidents, distraction played role during the preceding 3 seconds, as is concluded from research done by SWOV (the Dutch National Road Safety Research Institute). 

The distraction is caused by phone calls (hand-held or hands-free), setting navigation systems, or switching on music. According to the project leader of the campaign “A proper driver does not let his attention stray”, research showed that during hand-held phone calls drivers fail to notice four out of ten traffic signs. The campaign’s message appears along roads and parking areas, as well as in radio announcements, and flyers/posters distributed at petrol stations. There also is a special campaign site: www.laatjenietafleiden.nl (in Dutch)

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