Drivers admit to irresponsible driving habits
Over half of drivers (54%) are routinely making irresponsible driving choices and putting lives at risk every time they sit behind the wheel, according to research by The Co-operative Insurance.
The research shows that drivers are recklessly increasing the chance of road traffic accidents, and their often tragic effects, by treating their vehicles as an extension of their office, kitchen and, even, dressing room - often at excessive speeds.
The findings have revealed that only 1 in 10 motorists describe their driving as ‘to the speed limit' whilst the fast pace of modern life is clearly having an impact with drivers admitting to completing a range of unsuitable tasks behind the wheel.
Speeding continues to be a major issue on Britain's roads, with the most recent figures from The Department of Transport showing that 59 per cent of drivers break speed limits in 30mph zones.
The research, by The Co-operative Insurance, has also revealed that drivers are most likely to speed when they are running late (46%), when they are in a bad mood (43%), when they are driving on the motorway (30%), when they need the toilet (21%) and when they are tired on their way to/from work (16%).
Whilst individually the bad driver habits, with the exception of using a mobile phone, are not illegal if caught the police can charge drivers with a range of offences including careless driving and driving without proper control of a vehicle.
Grant Mitchell, Function Leader at The Co-operative Insurance, said: "Driving a car is likely to be the most hazardous thing we will do each day and yet these alarming figures show over 50 per cent of drivers are unnecessarily increasing the chances of causing or being involved in an accident.
"Life is undoubtedly faster paced than it has ever been before with technology and goods and services available around the clock which has ultimately led to cultural changes in the way people live, work and as the research has revealed; drive.
"As a responsible insurer we believe that driving is a privilege and with that privilege comes responsibility. Taking a sip of a drink or a quick bite of a sandwich whilst driving may seem harmless however the consequence of taking your full concentration off the road could result in a road traffic accident which could change lives forever.
"Every time a driver has to make a claim, due to their own or another vehicle users irresponsible motoring habits, it undoubtedly has an effect on the motor insurance premiums of all drivers which is massively unfair on responsible road users who have to ultimately pay for other's mistakes."