New survey reveals UK motorists struggle with road signs

Avis Rent A Car has just published the results of its latest survey, which makes for worrying reading. The car rental company surveyed UK motorists to see whether they could correctly identify both UK and foreign road signs and 53% answered incorrectly.

“It is well known that foreign roads signs can cause UK motorists headaches, but we were shocked to see that even the simplest of UK signs had drivers stumped,” says Daniel McCarthy, Commercial Director, Avis UK.

Straightforward UK signs such as ‘No Waiting’, ‘No Cycling’ and ‘No Overtaking’ were misinterpreted by motorists. Most interestingly, over 20% of drivers thought the ‘No Overtaking’ sign indicated a dual carriageway ahead, while 54% of those questioned identified the ‘No Motor Vehicles Allowed’ sign as ‘All Motor Vehicles Permitted’!

Today’s driver in the UK is typically aged between 40-49* years old, meaning that many motorists have not studied the Highway Code for over 23 years.

“Drivers over the age of 30 were not put through the modern day Driving Theory Test and this could explain the survey results,” continues McCarthy.

“We would recommend that drivers refresh their knowledge; the Department for Transport offers great advice via its website dft.gov.uk/think.

“We conducted the survey to see which foreign road signs motorists struggled with and therefore how we could help them drive safely and confidently abroad, with products such as our international driving guides and GPS. We also thought it would be interesting to see if motorists were up to speed on the Highway Code here in the UK.”

Avis has joined up with partner British Airways to provide driving guides for popular business and tourist destinations worldwide. The guides advise motorists on legal requirements, road signs and speed limits in specific countries and are available online at avisba.com.

In addition, customers can rent GPS from Avis locations around the world - simply book online at avis.co.uk.

Share your tips on driving and renting at the Avis blog - wetryharder.co.uk.

* Official figure from Department For Transport.