Civic Behaviour on the Rise, Yet 50% of Drivers Admit to Insulting Others

In 2025, the number of Spanish drivers who claim not to adhere to traffic rules has decreased. However, dangerous behaviours, often driven by a desire for immediate freedom without considering potential consequences for their safety and that of others, remain prevalent.

Thus, 77% of drivers exceed the speed limit by a few kilometres per hour; 45% do not maintain safe distances; 46% forget to signal when overtaking or changing direction; 51% drive in the middle lane of the motorway even when the right lane is free; 43% overtake on the right on the motorway, and 11% of drivers, nearly 1 in 10, admit to sometimes not wearing a seatbelt, with 29% of men under 35. These figures are from the fifteenth European Barometer of Responsible Driving by the VINCI Autoroutes Foundation.

A survey conducted by Ipsos among 12,403 people from 11 European countries assesses the behaviours and perceptions of Spanish drivers and compares our behaviours with those of drivers across Europe.

Spanish drivers see themselves as models of virtue behind the wheel, but the reality on the roads is far from idyllic. A recent Vinci study reveals a striking paradox: while 97% of motorists describe themselves with positive adjectives such as "vigilant" (73%), "calm" (68%), or "respectful" (18%), their perception of others is radically different.

Nearly 8 out of 10 drivers (70%) rate others' behaviour negatively, labelling them as "dangerous" (25%), "irresponsible" (32%), "aggressive" (30%), or "nervous" (31%). This idealised self-perception contrasts with a palpable atmosphere of tension: a significant 87% of drivers (more than 8 out of 10) admit to still fearing others' aggression on the road.

The study also sheds light on a surprising behaviour: some drivers admit to transforming behind the wheel. Nearly 1 in 6 (14%) acknowledge being "another person" when driving, succumbing to nervousness, impulsivity, or aggression. Additionally, 27% feel "like in a bubble," paying less attention to other road users, and a concerning 8% even claim the road is a mere "every man for himself" scenario.

These data highlight a dissonance between drivers' self-image and the perception of road reality, suggesting the need for campaigns promoting greater self-criticism and empathy to improve coexistence and safety on our roads.

51% of Spaniards consider distractions one of the main causes of fatal traffic accidents in general, second only to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

However, 77% of drivers admit to sometimes taking their eyes off the road for more than 2 seconds, which at 130 km/h is equivalent to driving at least 72 metres "blind." According to the study, the use of mobile phones while driving has decreased in all its functions (phone calls, messages, emails, apps, GPS, etc.), despite having steadily increased in recent years.

Drivers mainly talk on the phone using a Bluetooth system 50%, a practice that distracts as much as other modes of conversation1 that are still very present: 15% of drivers still talk on the phone with the mobile in hand, that is, without a hands-free device or with headphones or earphones 45%.

The preparation and execution of long journeys remain a risk focus. 82% of Spanish drivers go to bed later or get up earlier than usual before a long trip, and 74% finish preparations the night before. Additionally, 64% choose to leave at night, increasing the likelihood of fatigue.

During the journey, dangerous practices persist: 20% do not postpone departure even if they feel tired, 28% do not change drivers when they could, and 41% do not stop for a nap, the most effective measure to prevent drowsiness. The average driving time before a break is 2 hours and 47 minutes, well above the recommended 2 hours, reaching 3 hours and 5 minutes for men under 35.

Despite drowsiness being the fourth leading cause of fatal accidents in Europe, behind alcohol, drugs, distractions, and speeding, 24% of Spanish drivers admit to driving while feeling tired. The consequences of this practice are palpable: 38% have "nodded off" at the wheel, 25% admit to becoming more nervous or aggressive, and an alarming 67% admit their mind wanders and pays less attention to the road. 36% have even veered onto the hard shoulder due to distraction or drowsiness.

Despite driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs being the leading cause of fatal accidents for 56% of Spanish drivers, a worrying 5% admit to having driven while intoxicated.

The intake of medications that can alter alertness is also widespread, with 10% of drivers acknowledging this behaviour, a figure that rises to 8% among men under 35 and 7% among those over 65. Additionally, 2% admit to driving after smoking cannabis and 3% after consuming other drugs.

The Vinci study also reveals a worrying lack of awareness about the safety of road workers. 71% of Spanish drivers do not systematically apply essential precautionary measures when approaching an intervention area (such as slowing down and moving aside). In fact, 48% simply forget to slow down when approaching a work zone.

The self-perception of European drivers also contrasts with the reality on the road. 85% of European drivers admit to exceeding the speed limit by a few kilometres per hour (77% in Spain). 56% do not maintain safe distances (45% in Spain), and 51% drive in the middle lane of the motorway with the right lane free (same percentage in Spain). Overtaking on the right on the motorway is acknowledged by 34% (43% in Spain).

Distraction at the wheel remains a battleground. A considerable 77% of European drivers use their mobile phone or programme the GPS while driving (65% in Spain). Despite the increase in Bluetooth device usage (58% of Europeans, 50% of Spaniards), 67% still talk on the phone while driving (58% in Spain) and 43% do so regularly (32% in Spain). More worryingly, 25% admit to sending or reading messages or emails while driving (15% in Spain).

The study also reveals that 81% of European drivers take their eyes off the road for more than 2 seconds (77% in Spain), an extremely dangerous action considering that at 130 km/h, this means travelling 72 metres blind.

In conclusion, although there are signs of slight improvement in some behaviours, perceived aggression and distractions from mobile phone use continue to be key challenges for road safety in Europe.