en 
Portuguese drivers feel more comfortable driving their
vehicles on the motorway than in urban environments, where they perform worse
in environmental terms, according to a study by the University of Aveiro (UA).
In an attempt to study driving patterns, a team of UA
researchers carried out an investigation that assesses driver behaviour through
the definition of case studies using a driving simulator, where several
participants performed driving tests in different scenarios.
“Volunteers were asked to wear a smartwatch to record heart
rate data for stress analysis while driving. In total, the investigation had a
total of more than 42,000 seconds of data obtained”, describes a note from the
UA.
Aggressive behaviour
According to the course director of the Masters in
Intelligent Mobility and research coordinator, Margarida Coelho, the study made
it possible to analyse the correlation of driver behaviour (namely,
aggressiveness while driving) with the impacts from the point of view of safety
and emissions.
Different driving environments (urban, national road and
motorway) were also compared, with particular attention to road singularities
(speed bumps, traffic lights, zebra crossings etc).
“Research results indicate that drivers feel more
comfortable driving their vehicle on highways than in urban environments, where
they perform worse in environmental terms. In addition, participants showed
similar reactions to the same situations, even with different driving styles”,
says the team of researchers.
The results of the study also indicate that stop signs,
speed bumps and unpredictable situations such as animals or pedestrians
crossing the road are normally associated with sudden acceleration and braking
and are conditions that are associated with high pollutant emissions.
Despite the efforts of the automotive industry to reduce
environmental impact, Margarida Coelho considers that drivers have a “very
important” role (through their behaviour on the road) in reducing gas emissions
and promoting greater road safety.
“Anticipating decisions, complying with speed limits,
driving smoothly at as constant a speed as possible, avoiding sudden
accelerations/decelerations and braking, are some of the ways to develop
eco-driving”, defends the researcher.
According to data from the National Authority for Road
Safety, between January and December 2021, there were 30,691 accidents with
victims in Portugal, resulting in 401 fatalities, 2,297 serious injuries and
35,877 minor injuries.
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Portuguese drivers continue being the most dangerous and worst drivers in Europe. It is barbaric to drink and drive like they do, their tailgating habits are criminal and their reckless driving as well as speeding is totally unacceptable. And yet.... penalties are not significant enough nor is there sufficient civil education. There is a backwards pride in being the most dangerous and criminal drivers in Europe.
By k from Other on 21 Jul 2022, 19:17
There is no mention of Portuguese drivers not knowing how to drive around roundabouts or use indicators, which are two of the biggest faults that I see.
By Trevor from Algarve on 22 Jul 2022, 09:57
The introduction of speed cameras in Lisbon resulting in fines over €5 million in a month proves the point, so lets have more speed cameras in cities and motorways, especially the A1.
By Greg from Other on 22 Jul 2022, 10:38
It seems like the transition to net zero is a long way away.
Also try cycling on the streets of Lisbon, a lot of vehicles drive past close and at relatively high speed
By Darren from Lisbon on 22 Jul 2022, 10:59
Portuguese drivers think that a roundabout is a f1 race track, and those little orange lights on the corner of their cars are only to be used when portugal win a football match. And Portuguese pedestrians think they can stop a car with their bodies instead of waiting for the traffic to stop before crossing. The most road deaths in portugal is on zebra crossings.
By Karl blore from Algarve on 22 Jul 2022, 11:03
The constant usage of mobile phones add to the problems. Even bus drivers using their phones with passengers on board. .. And in the pt fashion the police looks away.
By rolf burckhardt from Algarve on 22 Jul 2022, 11:06
I agree with K. Half those with a licence should not be in control of a shopping tro;;ey let alone a motorised vehicle. Drunk or not it is just the mentallity. Oh and don't forget the nutters who smoke a few joints and then get behind the wheel, probably worse than the drunk ones. Child restraint? what is that? the other day I saw a young kid with half her body out the window of a car... I know it's hot but that is just crazy.
By mooseman from Alentejo on 22 Jul 2022, 11:26
I will jave to agree with the other person about how dangerous Portuguese drivers can be, though I don't agree they are the most dangerous across the entirety of Europe.
The Portuguese are so polite on social interactions but when driving: tailgating, no signaling, dangerous overtaking (often they will pass you by and not give you enough leeway so you need to hit the brakes).
I don't understand this mentality, reminds me of the Disney Goofy carton where he is an exemplary citizen as a pedestrian but once he becomes a driver... The devil on wheels.
By Valter Vilar from Lisbon on 22 Jul 2022, 12:34
Oh I forgot about the roundabout thing, forget indicating 99.99% do not, maybe they want to have an accident at your expense? I usually just shout some abuse and give them the one finger salute lol
By mooseman from Alentejo on 22 Jul 2022, 16:29
Stop those criminal drivers. Solve the problem. But...just as the plague of abandoned cats and dogs , becoming vermin in the country-side, packs of wild dogs attacking people in supermarket parking lots (as is the case in the Algarve), nothing will be done. Those criminal drivers are vermin and should not be allowed behind a wheel.
By K from Other on 22 Jul 2022, 17:18
There should be an immediate ban on Portuguese drivers...Anyone who has scrathes and dings...Paint missing and or door mirrors that are held on with duck tape are hear by ordered to take the bus...Obrigado...
By Sakamoto Suarezzz from Lisbon on 22 Jul 2022, 18:51
I disagree about the beat up car comment. I find if you drive an old banger with faded paint a few dents and a crucifix hanging from the rear view mirror you are less of a target. Oh and don't forget the obligatory one finger salute lol
By mooseman from Alentejo on 23 Jul 2022, 09:54
Well it seems this supposed person called ''By k from Other on'' likes to generalize a lot about the Portuguese people beside of don't respect them and don't like them in another article about swimming pools closer in Algarve did managed to insult them implying that they are people without any manners and education and dirty people that don't take any showers and that go to the swinging pools do everything poo and vomit ? Well this is a excellent description of the UK people they way they behave and also she should add their that when they go to the beach and countryside they live behind all the rubbish with them over the place also. As far the driving she should also mention that their is a lot of UK drives that are even worse that drive under drugs and alcohol it seems that she did forget mention that also . And many of the them also walk in front of the cars . Also did mention that the full country is full of corruption then she should look in were one country that everything is brush under the carpet even the investigations and enquirers doesn't put anyone in jail or in curt . Like I said if you don't like living were then go back to your own country .
By Isabel Oliveira from Lisbon on 23 Jul 2022, 15:03
I was going to write a longer reply, but noticing the amount of comments Universidade de Aveiro coule have polled the readers here and get better results. What a waste of resources.
By Pedro from Lisbon on 23 Jul 2022, 18:36
I suppose that maintaining that 1 metre gap away from the car in front can be very stressful!
It is hardly surprising that the heart rate of the average Portuguese driver increases when driving around town. Their attitude needs changing. It is not a competition!
Relax when approaching a roundabout, and signal your intended direction in advance. "Read your road" and try to anticipate what other road users might do, rather than just thoughtlessly ploughing in. And finally, try not to see cyclists as objects that must be overtaken at all cost! All this will contribute to better heart health.
By Eddie from Lisbon on 26 Jul 2022, 14:28