Motorists admit to potentially dangerous driving

More than two-thirds of British drivers (69 per cent) admit to having engaged in some form of potentially dangerous activity whilst driving in the last month, according to new research from Sainsbury's Car Insurance. This is a 4 per cent increase on this time last year.

Eating and drinking whilst driving is the most prevalent dangerous habit, with 43% of motorists questioned admitting to having done this in the previous month. This is followed by driving whilst feeling tired (32 per cent), which has increased from 28 per cent last year, excessive speeding (17 per cent) and driving wearing flip flops/no shoes (14 per cent).

Despite it being illegal to use a non hands-free mobile phone whilst driving, 12 per cent of motorists surveyed said that they did this in the previous month and 11 per cent admitted to sending text messages whilst driving. Eleven per cent of drivers questioned admit to reading a map whilst driving.

Lucy Hunter, Sainsbury's Car Insurance Manager said: "People who drive regularly can sometimes become too self-assured behind the wheel, especially if they are driving on roads they know well. Often this leads them to drive in a manner that significantly increases the level of risk to themselves, their passengers and other road users.

"Unfortunately many motorists get distracted too easily whilst driving and don't consider the possible consequences of their actions. We would urge motorists to concentrate at the wheel and not be tempted to engage in anything that could distract them."

Sainsbury's Car Insurance offers 24 hour accident recovery. As standard, the policy includes a courtesy car when using one of its recommended repairers (Comprehensive cover only).

For more information, visit sainsburysbank.co.uk