24 million Brits are reckless drivers

A whopping 24 million British motorists admit to having dangerous driving habits, with 1 in 5 claiming that they frequently eat or drink while driving along, and 1 in 2 (47%) admitting to often driving with one hand on the wheel, according to the latest research from Confused.com – UK car insurance price comparison site.

The youngest drivers seem to be the most blasé about their driving faults, with 6% claiming to have no driving faults at all, compared with 34% of their more vigilant 55+ year-old driving counterparts. Despite this whiter-than-white claim, 17-24 year olds are the worst driving offenders, with 3 in 4 (75%) claiming to often drive with one hand on the wheel, and nearly 1 in 3 (29%) frequently breaking the speed limit.

Londoners have the poorest overall road manners, with more than 1 in 4 (26%) often forgetting to thank other motorists, 40% admitting to frequently speeding, and nearly 1 in 3 (30%) failing to indicate when turning. Wales fared the best, with 31% claiming that they had not picked up any bad driving habits at all.

However, despite their apparent erratic driving styles, Londoners are the most honest drivers with 4 in 5 (80%) claiming that they would leave their details if they bumped into another car, followed closely by 76% of Scottish motorists. Northern drivers are the most dishonest, with more than 1 in 3 (34%) claiming that they would drive on without leaving their details.

Simon Lamble, product director at Confused.com, says: "It is so important to be vigilant, when driving on Britain's roads, despite how good a driver you may think you are. Driving over the speed limit, eating and drinking at the wheel, and driving with one hand are all potentially dangerous habits which reduce your vehicle control. It is particularly shocking that younger drivers and London motorists are the most reckless, as their premiums tend to the highest, initially.

"On average, a driver with three points will see premiums leap by 7%, rising to 25% for six points, and 50% for nine points. While nobody is perfect, we would advise motorists to take more care when driving. Planning your route and allowing extra time should reduce erratic driving behaviour, while recognising and trying to rectify your bad driving habits should result in less accidents and a reduction in convictions."