Complacency and overconfidence put UK's road users at risk

Research from road safety charity Brake and Direct Line reveals that more than two-thirds of motorists admit breaking traffic laws.

However, 99% of motorists still believe they are at least as safe as the average driver.

Brake and Direct Line said that complacency and overconfidence is leading to widespread risk taking from motorists and Brake is calling on drivers to make a pledge to stay safe and legal on the roads.

The research surveyed 1,000 motorists about their opinion of driving standards on the UK’s roads (see results top right). Of those surveyed, 44% said they were safer than the average driver, while only 1% said they were worse.

The survey also asked about the respondents’ opinions of other drivers on the road, with the majority (59%) saying there were more safe drivers on the road than dangerous drivers over the past 12 months. It also revealed that more than 68% of motorists admit to breaking traffic laws, with more than one-third saying they did this knowingly.

Brake is calling on the government to crack down on these illegal driving habits and is asking for strong deterrents against law-breaking. Brake says repeat offenders should be taken off the road to improve the safety of other road users.

Measures called for by the charity include improved funding and prioritisation of specialist roads policing and reforms to the penalty points system so drivers who amass 12 points cannot escape a ban through pleading ‘exceptional hardship’.

Brake deputy chief executive Julie Townsend said: “It is deeply concerning so many drivers break vital traffic laws, yet still believe they are safe. Anyone who thinks they can handle speeding, using a phone at the wheel or drink-driving is fooling themselves and taking an appalling chance with people’s lives.

“Traffic laws exist to protect people from death and injury, and staying within them is a fundamental responsibility for everyone who drives. We are calling on drivers to make Brake’s pledge to always drive safely and legally, to help reduce the number of people needlessly killed and hurt on our roads.”

Direct Line head of motor Rob Miles said: “Drivers continue to flout the rules of the road without realising the devastating impact their actions can have. Traffic laws are there for a reason and breaking them puts other road users and pedestrians’ lives at risk.

“The biggest reason for road collisions is excessive speed, so rather than trying to beat the traffic and getting to your destination a couple of minutes earlier, we’re urging motorists to slow down and have more consideration for other road users so that everyone arrives at their destination safely.”