A third of drivers admit to ignoring laws of the road

The Highway Code was first introduced 77 years ago this week, but research by online car insurance expert elephant.co.uk reveals 34% of drivers are happy to ignore a number of rules of the road, with men flouting traffic laws more often than women.

elephant.co.uk surveyed 1,800 motorists and a third admitted to breaking a number of traffic laws including driving without a seatbelt, driving through red light and not stopping at pedestrian crossings. The two rules most commonly broken are not using indicators when turning, and parking in restricted areas. 17% of people admit they don't always use their indicators and 7% admit they ignore parking laws.

elephant.co.uk managing director, Brian Martin said, "There are few motoring issues that anger people as much as parking and it's clear that many motorists often ignore parking rules and just park where they want to. Perhaps the parking laws that will be introduced in the Autumn whereby drivers can be charged using CCTV footage might stop more of them breaking these rules."

Another rule from the Highway Code ignored by motorists is the ban on using a mobile phone while driving. Worryingly, although 91% of motorists said they agree with the ban, around a quarter of motorists admit they have used their phone while driving. 21% more men than women admitted to dialling when driving.

Brian continues, "Men seem to be the main culprits with 39% more men than women admitting to breaking the rules, but despite this they are still quick to criticise other drivers and tend to think of themselves as faultless. The results showed that 61% of men think they are better drivers than the average motorist, with only 41% of women thinking the same.

"More men also claim they would pass their driving test if they sat it today - two thirds compared to just over half of women. It sounds like over-confidence to me as they would certainly fail if they ignore these traffic laws during their test."

elephant.co.uk wants to know how well you know the Highway Code. Take the fun Highway Code quiz at elephant.co.uk/contactUs/pressOffice/quiz/highwaycode.php.