PS - I find the graph impossible to follow. Do you have a table with the data? notes from no w here
Do you see x marks on some lines? I too thought the graph is hard to follow, and updated it by adding marks to some of the lines with too many similar colours. If you see the previous version, reload the page. If it's the current version... any suggestions on what I could add? Maybe the country names next to the lines on the graph rather than a separate box?
(Either way, I'll do that only oncew I get home, say around 18h CET.) *Lunatic*, n. One whose delusions are out of fashion.
(Except for Hungary 2008, which I calculated.)
Perhaps it helps until I'm back: the bright light blue line in the middle (Belgium) is a good separator, all other EU-15 countries except Greece are below it, all new members above (at least in 2007). *Lunatic*, n. One whose delusions are out of fashion.
The reduction in Ireland has been achieved though stricter laws, stricter enforcement, harsher penalties (penalty points), more consistent enforcement, greater public education and advertising programmes, better road design, driver training and vehicle quality/reliability inspections. Attitudes to drink driving have changed remarkably.
Given that this has been achieved despite greater car utilisation and traffic density it has been a good achievement - although not yet as good as some other countries. notes from no w here
Actually i guess the case in Portugal is one of making it a sort of national cause. And a cause for national shame, since, as you can tell by the graphic we were at the very top of the chart to begin with.
From advertising campaigns to very strict laws and heavy fines it all worked together. Traffic accidents always make the news, as well as police control operations during heavy traveling periods, like Christmas and Easter, or long weekends.
Having said this, the sense around here is that still too many people die on the streets and roads, and too many people have reckless and irresponsible behavior.
Being caught driving with amounts of alcool that should induce coma can still make you a sort of popular hero, in some parts.
