OA22321 Road Behavior Research by R.S.I. “Panos Mylonas” with the support of the International Automobile Federation DRIVING CHANGE: Towards Safe Sustainable Mobility

Abstract Background As part of the program “Driving Change: Towards Safe and Sustainable Mobility”, the Hellenic Institute of Road Safety (RSI) “Panos Mylonas”, in collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), conducted a large-scale observational study aiming to record and analyze road user behavior in Greece. Methods The study was carried out across three different types of road networks (urban, rural, and high-speed road) and in three distinct geographical areas: Attica, Crete, and Evia. The methodology relied on naturalistic observation of a significant number of vehicles and users, ensuring the accurate depiction of real-life driving behaviors, free from self-reporting biases. Results The findings highlight deeply concerning gaps in compliance with fundamental safety measures, such as the consistent use of seatbelts and helmets, while also revealing the persistence of dangerous practices, including mobile phone use while driving. Conclusions The research findings served as the impetus for an open letter, aimed at strengthening action, collaboration, and targeted interventions on an institutional level, with the goal of changing behaviors to prevent and reduce road traffic incidents.