Brits drive far enough to circle the globe 20 times

Brits will drive more than 507,000 miles in their lifetimes – the equivalent of travelling around the world more than 20 times, according to new research from Confused.com, the UK car insurance comparison service.

Driving to work, trips to the supermarket and even going on a UK holiday add up to 8,756 miles every year, or a whopping 507,833 miles between the ages of 17 and 75.

The Confused.com poll of 2,000 Brits revealed that commuting to work takes up the biggest chunk – just over 66 miles a week, or 3,442 miles every year. However, even visits to the supermarket twice a week, add up to almost 10 miles or 473 miles a year.

Brits drive 16.7 miles a week on the school run and a further 32 miles a week running errands and visiting friends in the evenings. Even at weekends, when most people like to relax, we still manage to drive 33 miles – a total of 1,733 miles a year. Weekends away and holidays in the UK account for 556 miles a year.

Debra Williams, managing director of Confused.com, said: “We all have to get from A to B but it’s amazing to see how many miles we clock up in our lifetimes. The survey shows just how much we all rely on our cars for transport and demonstrates how integral cars have become in our day to day lives.

Contrary to popular belief, the more miles you drive, typically the lower your car insurance. Those clocking up over 25,000 miles a year will save around £80.00 on their insurance premium compared to those driving only 12,000 per year.”

My Space

According to the poll, 71% of Brits enjoy driving alone, with almost two thirds saying it is one of the best opportunities to spend some quality time by themselves. Over 65% of those asked also said that driving provided them with time to think with family and work at the forefront of their mind.

Tension for Two

However, when it comes to couples travelling together it’s not always so relaxing, as 64% of people said they have argued while in the car, with directions and speed of driving the most common causes of disagreements. An unlucky 14% have even ended their relationship in a car.

In The Driving Seat

But when it comes to the battle of the sexes, the survey revealed that its men who are in the driving seat, clocking up 8,262 miles a year or 513,497 over a lifetime, compared to women who travel 6,525 miles a year which is 409,878 in a lifetime.

However, women have moved up a gear and are catching up fast despite the difference in the miles they drive. In fact, 94% of Brits think women are driving more now than ever before.

Debra Williams added: “It’s very interesting to see that women are getting behind the wheel much more now - it is clear that women are changing lanes and traditional roles are being left behind. Gone are the days when men would always drive; the research shows that couples today seem to share the driving.”