Would Hungarians risk drinking and driving on New Year’s Eve?

As the countdown to New Year’s Eve begins, an important question arises: would Hungarians be willing to risk drinking and driving as they welcome the new year?

Surveying public sentiment

Hungary’s strict zero-tolerance policy on drink-driving sets it apart from several European counterparts. With the Ministry of Construction and Transport contemplating a Highway Code review and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) exploring preventative measures, understanding public sentiments becomes crucial.

To gauge the pulse of the Hungarian population on drink-driving regulations, a survey commissioned by Totalcar and conducted by Pulse Research presented respondents with four options. The choices ranged from supporting the existing zero tolerance policy to adopting more lenient regulations, punishing drunk drivers only in the event of an accident, or remaining undecided.

Demographic variances: Gender, age, and education

1. Gender disparities: Women’s stricter stance

Does gender play a role in the willingness to risk drink-driving? The survey reveals a stark contrast, with nearly eight in ten women advocating for maintaining the current total ban, while just under two-thirds of men support this stringent approach.

2. Age dynamics: Unwavering consensus across generations

Are there generational differences in risk perception? Despite some openness among those in their twenties and older to a limit of 0.5 parts per thousand, the majority across all age groups favored preserving the total ban on drink-driving.

3. Educational influences: Minor variances

Does education influence the willingness to take risks? The survey found that those with primary education were marginally more inclined to penalise drink drivers only in the event of an accident, with no significant differences for other response options across varying educational levels.

4. Communal living preferences: Strong advocacy for zero tolerance

Do living environments shape risk tolerance? Nearly 80 percent of commune residents expressed staunch support for the existing zero tolerance policy, while residents in the capital and in county seats exhibited greater openness to leniency.

5. Driving license status: Marginal disparities

Does possessing a driving license influence the willingness to risk drink-driving? Surprisingly, the survey revealed only marginal disparities, with a slightly higher percentage of those without a driving license supporting zero tolerance.

Unveiling a unified front or potential risk-taking tendencies?

The Totalcar and Pulzus Research survey paints a nuanced picture, revealing a largely unified front for zero tolerance, but with some demographic nuances. All in all, understanding these public sentiments is imperative for shaping effective and widely accepted regulations in Hungary. This is particularly crucial during festive occasions where the temptation to take risks may be heightened.

Read also:

• Important notice from Hungarian disaster management for New Year’s Eve
• Hungarian thermal spas where you can welcome the New Year

Source: Totalcar.hu