A national safety perception survey conducted by a major insurer has revealed that drunk or drugged motorists top the list of fears for Kiwis.
The same survey also showed that 33.7% of Kiwis feel that the country is less safe than it was a year ago.
According to the study conducted by
IAG New Zealand, which polled more than 1,300 people, drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs had the most significant impact on Kiwis’ perception of public safety,
New Zealand Herald reported.
Martin Hunter, EGM of strategy people and reputation at IAG New Zealand, said the survey’s top result was “surprising” and likely reflected the important role of cars in the life of many Kiwis, along with the amount of media attention dedicated to road safety issues, the report said.
“The impact of impaired driving on our feeling of safety and security is important for us to understand as it provides a platform from which to influence changes in driver behaviour,” Hunter said.
“It is clear from the number of serious accidents and deaths on our roads that there are still many drivers who make bad choices and that these choices result in disastrous consequences.
“The impacts go deep, influencing our overall feeling of vulnerability, so this validates efforts by authorities and other organisations, such as insurers, to bring about change.”
The survey respondents were asked to rate, from one to five, 17 types of offenses - including murder, burglary, and driving under the influence - according to how concerning each crime was.
Topping the list of Kiwis’ greatest fears were drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which had an “impact weight” of 28%. This was followed by assault, 19%; drug dealing, 16%; and burglary, 14%,
NZ Herald said.
The survey results showed that men gave driving under the influence a higher impact weight at 31%, compared with women, who gave it 21%.
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