Hungary to launch new push against unsafe drivers

A new push will be made against traffic offenders in Hungary starting from May and continuing until the end of the year, with the primary targets being drunk drivers and speeders on the nation's roads.

Currently, every sixth road accident in Hungary is the result of drunk driving, while only 40% of drivers fasten their seat belts, compared to almost 90% compliance with the seat belt laws in Germany and Scandinavia.

According to data from the National Accident Prevention Committee, there are 62 fatalities out of every 1,000 accidents in which someone is injured, whereas in England the comparable number is only 22 to 25.

While the EU is mandating that this number be reduced by 50% by the year 2010, some politicians are arguing that only a 30% drop is feasible within that time frame.

Experts say that Hungary's poor traffic statistics are a result of the country's low level of "traffic culture," primarily the fact that the majority of drivers don't adhere to relevant laws.

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