# Italian Drivers Report High Rates of Risky Behavior and Traffic Law Ignorance A new survey reveals widespread smartphone use and limited knowledge of road safety regulations. - **Source:** [La Gazzetta dello Sport – Ultime](https://www.gazzetta.it) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [health](https://brifing.si/c/health) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9bfa2e8c-75c1-48b5-a204-93faa3d1f7f7 ## Widespread Risky Driving Habits A recent YouGov survey for Locauto highlights dangerous trends among Italian motorists. Data shows that 46% of respondents admit to using smartphones while driving, a figure rising to 48% among those aged 18 to 34. These habits persist despite ongoing public awareness campaigns regarding the severe risks of distracted driving. ## Ignorance of Legal Sanctions Many drivers remain unaware of specific legal penalties for impaired driving. Approximately 59% do not know that drug testing can lead to license suspension even without visible impairment. Furthermore, 77% are unaware of the mandatory alcoholock installation requirement for those exceeding blood alcohol levels of 0.8 grams per liter. ## Impaired Driving Statistics The survey reveals concerning rates of driving under the influence. About 31% of participants admitted to operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol, while 16% confessed to driving after drug use. These findings underscore a significant gap between the perceived safety of drivers and their actual conduct on the road. ## Seatbelt and Child Safety Safety compliance regarding seatbelts shows slight improvement, with 10% of drivers admitting to regular non-use, down five percentage points from last year. Similarly, ignorance regarding child transport regulations dropped to 40%. However, 11% of respondents still report transporting children without using required seatbelts or proper child safety seats. ## Failure to Assist Victims The study uncovered alarming attitudes toward post-accident procedures. Roughly 31% of drivers would not complete an amicable accident report, while 60% would avoid contacting authorities. Most concerning is that 44% of respondents admitted they would not provide assistance to victims if they were witnesses to a road traffic accident. ## Educational Outreach Initiatives To combat these trends, the Locauto group is launching the third edition of its 'Locauto on Tour' project. This educational initiative targets high school students to improve road safety awareness. The program begins in Trento on November 11, with subsequent stops scheduled in Naples, Catania, and Milan through early 2027. ## Perception Versus Reality Raffaella Tavazza, CEO of Locauto, notes a clear disconnect between how Italians perceive their own knowledge and their actual behavior. While 71% of drivers acknowledge that reviewing the highway code would be beneficial, over one in four admit they are unfamiliar with the most recent updates to traffic laws. ## Context of Safety Awareness The survey was released ahead of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on November 15. By analyzing a representative sample of over 1,000 Italian adults, the study serves as a critical indicator of the persistent need for consistent public education and stricter enforcement of existing traffic regulations. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.gazzetta.it/motori/la-mia-auto/07-11-2026/sicurezza-stradale-alcol-e-smartphone-cattive-abitudini-alla-guida.shtml — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._