Courteous driving day today

MOTORISTS are being advised to stay “zen” while driving as part of a day of safety campaigning in France.

The 10th journée nationale de la courtoisie au volant - national day of courtesy at the wheel – takes place today and is organised by the l'initiative de l'Association française de prévention des comportements au volant (AFPC).”

While motorists are the primary target the day’s phrase “A pied, au volant ou au guidon, restons zen sur la route” – on foot, at the wheel or handlebars, stay cool on the road – is aimed at all.

The association and other safety bodies are distributing leaflets on the “10 commandments of courteous driving” which mostly fall into the category of paying attention at the wheel.

Nine towns across the country have been given awards for their involvement with the project and commitment to safe driving: Bures-sur-Yvette (91), Cagnes-sur-Mer (06), la Seyne-sur-Mer (83), Le Luc-en-Provence (83), Saint-Quentin (02), Béthune (62), Belleville-sur-Saône (69), Taponnas (69) and Saint-Jean-d'Ardières (69).

To mark the day the association has released the results of a study entitled “what type of driver are you?”.

38% of drivers admitted parking on the pavement (32% in 2008)

99% said as pedestrians they had been prevented from using pedestrian crossings by motorists (92% in 2008)

20% admitted using a mobile phone while driving, without a handsfree kit

9% admitted they occasionally drove after drinking (12.6% in 2008) but 82.7% said they would accept having a breathalyser installed in their car that would prevent the vehicle from starting if alcohol was detected.

For more information visit wwww.courtoisie.org