Press release -
Drivers admit being easily distracted on UK's fastest roads
RAC warns motorists not to take safety for granted
Drivers’ worst habits on the nation’s fastest roads have been revealed in new research by the RAC, which shows that motorists admit to eating, drinking and reaching into the foot well while driving on the motorway.
The top five bad habits also include changing a CD and adjusting a sat-nav while at the wheel on the UK’s busiest major roads, prompting a call from the motorists’ champion to remind drivers to take care at all times and ensure their focus is always on the road ahead.
The survey of 1,600 drivers* about their behaviour behind the wheel found 57% admitted to opening a bottle and having a drink while driving, 48% said they change CDs, 35% have eaten a sandwich, and almost a third, 29% are distracted by adjusting their sat-nav system. A further 15% even admitted reaching for items in the glove box or foot well at the same time as driving at around 70mph.
While motorists may not believe they are doing anything wrong, their actions clearly go against the Highway Code which states: ‘Avoid distractions when driving or riding such as trying to read maps, inserting CD or tuning a radio, arguing with your passengers or other road users, eating and drinking.’
Of the drivers who took part in the survey, by far the worst offenders were the 17-35 age group where 61% say they change a CD in the car and 41% take their eyes off the road to adjust sat-nav systems.
In addition to the distractions from in-car technology, one in 10 respondents has also engaged in a heated argument with a passenger, posing further danger to themselves and other motorway users.
In fact, according to the latest available statistics from the Department for Transport, distraction or impairment accounted for almost 14,000 accidents on British roads in 2012.
RAC technical director David Bizley said: “As a nation we spend a lot of time on the roads and motorways provide vital links for work, business and leisure purposes. In England, they form the heart of the Strategic Road network but account for less than 3% of all roads and yet they carry almost a third of all traffic and two-thirds of large goods vehicle traffic. Driving so many miles a year on motorways, we need to be wary that we do not take our safety for granted.
“Thankfully the number of accidents in the UK remains relatively low, and motorways are statistically the safest of our roads based on the number of accidents in relation to the amount of traffic they carry and the distance travelled, but nevertheless, more people using the Strategic Road Network are killed travelling on motorways than any other road type with deaths exceeding 100 annually**. It is therefore of paramount importance that every driver is aware of all the potential distractions on a motorway as a small loss of concentration can prove fatal due to the higher speeds involved.
“If motorists fail to appreciate the clear danger they are putting themselves in by eating, drinking and adjusting their gadgets while driving on the motorway, then they need to be reminded that their behaviour is also illegal.
“We all know that in-car technology has enhanced the enjoyment of driving, and in many cases improved safety too, but the most important component in a car is still the person behind the wheel and driving on a motorway requires a driver’s full attention.”
The most common general driving distractions identified in the RAC Report on Motoring 2014 were: tiredness – 46%; passengers in the car talking – 35%; daydreaming – 32%. A mobile phone ringing and looking at hand-held phone were only listed by 27% and 16% of motorists respectively.
Ends
Notes to Editors
* Survey conducted with 1,623 members of the RAC Opinion Panel from 24-30 April 2014
** How Safe Are England’s Strategic Roads? Road Safety Foundation (7 July 2014)
About RAC
With more than eight million members, the RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, insurance, buying a used car, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information – the RAC offers a solution for all motoring needs. The RAC is committed to making motoring easier, safer, more affordable and more enjoyable for drivers and road users.
The RAC is the motorist’s champion and campaigns to support the interests of its members and UK motorists at a national level, including advancing levels of road safety, supporting the needs of young drivers and voicing concerns about the increasing cost of motoring. The RAC’s annual Report on Motoring survey, now in its 25th year, provides a clear insight into the concerns and issues facing today’s motorists.
For the very latest news on UK fuel prices visit our Fuel Prices Explained pages – www.rac.co.uk/advice/fuel-prices-explained. Here we detail the average UK price of petrol and diesel and give an indication of which way prices are likely to go – up or down – over the next couple of weeks based on the wholesale price. You can also discover more about the fuel industry, what affects UK fuel prices, how they compare those in Europe, how motorists are taxed and top-tips for better fuel economy.
The RAC supports FairFuelUK campaigning for fairer taxes on petrol and diesel. Show support and find out more at www.fairfueluk.com.
Key facts:
- RAC patrols fix four out of five vehicles at the roadside and on average within 34 minutes
- RAC vans carry more than 500 parts and tools to get members’ vehicles going again
- 98% of members would recommend RAC Rescue to their friends and family
RAC press releases, news alerts and a wealth of motoring research is available from www.rac.co.uk/press-centre/.
Follow us on Twitter:
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RAC
Topics
Notes to Editors
About the RAC
First formed in 1897, the RAC has been looking after the needs of its members and championing the interests of drivers for more than 120 years.
Today it has more than eight million members and is one of the UK’s most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, insurance, buying a used car, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information – the RAC offers a solution for all motoring needs. The RAC is committed to making motoring easier, safer, more affordable and more enjoyable for drivers and road users.
The RAC is the motorist’s champion and campaigns to support the interests of its members and UK drivers at a national level. This includes voicing concerns about the increasing cost of motoring, particularly the price of fuel and the high level of tax levied on it, advancing levels of road safety, and supporting the needs of all drivers, from young to old.
The RAC’s annual Report on Motoring – first published in 1989 – is one of a kind and provides a clear insight into the concerns and issues facing today’s motorists.
For the very latest news on UK fuel prices, check RAC Fuel Watch. It provides a comprehensive guide to the latest UK unleaded petrol and diesel prices – both at the wholesale level and at the pump - and tracks these prices daily to help drivers check if the price they pay to fill up is a fair one.
