RESEARCH into driver behaviour across Europe shows that motorists in the UK are less likely to have had a speeding ticket or made a mobile call from their car than most of their continental neighbours.

It also found that they are less likely to enjoy driving fast and that they strongly believe in the need for seatbelt. The findings come from the SARTRE 3 (Social Attitudes to Road Traffic Risk in Europe) study, which was carried out among 1,000 drivers in each of 23 countries across Europe.

It is highlighted by the RAC Foundation which is now questioning some of the road safety tactics currently used in the UK and is urging the Government to explore ‘new and innovative methods of cutting death and injury’.

Findings include the highest percentage of drivers penalised for speeding is the 46% in the Netherlands, compared to 9% in the UK between 2001 an 2004.

Regarding seatbelts, a total of 34% of Cypriots believe they do not need to wear one as long as they drive carefully. This compares to a European average of 19% and 11% in the UK.

The study also found that apart from the French, UK drivers admit to making fewer telephone calls than other European motorists. The biggest telephone users are the Italians (44%), the Estonians (45%) and the Cypriots (46%).