Motorists name slow drivers as biggest frustration on the road
Dawdling drivers are the top cause of irritation for UK drivers, according to a new survey.
The survey by car insurance experts Confused.com shows that over half (60%) of motorists experience an increase in stress levels and a heightened irritability when faced with a vehicle driving slower than the rest of the traffic.
In reaction to these slow drivers, almost half (45%) of motorists risk overtaking, thus increasing the chances of an accident. Research from the Department for Transport also reveals that 143 accidents a year are caused directly by slow drivers or "Sunday drivers," as they are known.
With little to prevent drivers from travelling too slowly, half of British motorists are supporting the idea to introduce the first ever ‘slow speed camera' to the roads of the UK. The slow speed camera will specifically catch slow motorists, penalising them with a fine for driving slower than the minimum designated speed limit. This has come as a reaction to the fact that although minimum speed limits are enforced on some UK motorways, there are few preventative measures that are used widely.
Top stats about slow drivers
Nearly a third of motorists have had an incident or ‘near miss' on the roads caused by a slow driver
In 2011 the government introduced a scheme which allows for £100 on-the-spot fine for careless driving-including those that drive too slow
The lay-by's days are numbered - 27% of drivers want a slow lane on roads to combat slow drivers!
Research conducted by one poll for Confused.com with a survey base of 2000 respondents (UK) who are car owners
Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com says, "Slow drivers need to be taken as seriously as motorists caught speeding. Findings confirm they are a constant source of anxiety on UK roads and responsible for a large amount of accidents each year." Kloet continues. "We support the introduction of a programme of measures to eliminate this hazard as our research has highlighted that excessively slow driving is a real problem - the government introduced speed cameras and now even a super speed camera so should also consider thesame rigour to combat slow driving as it could make a difference and help reduce motorists putting themselves or others at risk."
Alternative names for slow drivers
Turtle chaser: A slow driver in the right lane on a motorway, being constantly under taken. Remember, undertaking is illegal don't do it, even if you are frustrated by a turtle chaser
Slow Charles: A person who is in front of you, driving extremely slowly under the speed limit when there is no other traffic (most of the time under 25 mph).
Lane Hanger: A driver that stays in the passing lane without moving over to let faster cars pass by.
Gramps Champ: The overly slow and cautious driver, usually elderly but not necessarily, who manages to stay in front of you in traffic. They turn where you want to turn, exit where you want to exit, and go into the same car park as you etc.
Feather foot: The opposite of a lead foot. Someone who takes forever to get up to speed.
Additional findings from the survey also uncovered other solutions for limiting slow drivers. Suggestions included imposing a minimum speed limit on ALL British roads (37%) the introduction of a slow lane (26%), dedicated times for slow drivers to be on the road (15%) and even a warning badge system to be displayed by offending motorists (5%).
Peter Rodger, Chief Examiner from The Institute of Advanced of Motorists (IAM) supports the need for change on Britain's roads, "All forms of inconsiderate driving need to be tackled. Drivers who are unnecessarily excessively slow lead others to make rash moves."
For more information on car insurance, visit confused.com/car-insurance.