Roadside Distractions

One in ten drivers has been involved in a car accident as a result of focusing too intently on bad motorists’ behaviour, according to new research by safe driver champion Privilege Insurance. (i)

Accidents caused by drivers trying to avoid bad driving have so far added up to well over 4 million accidents. (ii)

And the figures could get worse with almost half (44 per cent) admitting to almost colliding with another vehicle after other motorists have driven them to distraction with their careless driving.

However one in four drivers say bad motorists have no effect on them and of these, twelve per cent would prefer to change their route, inform the police (8 per cent) or even pull over (4 per cent) if they see a careless driver on the roads, rather than get distracted.

The Privilege study has also identified the signs careful drivers use to identify a potential reckless driver; tailgating (93 per cent), ignoring pedestrian crossings (90 per cent) and over taking on the inside lane (82 per cent) are the top tell tale signs of a careless driver.

Commenting on the findings, Managing Director of Privilege Insurance, Ian Parker said:
“The research highlights that dangerous drivers not only cause accidents, but can also distract safer drivers and cause them to have accidents too.

“What is encouraging is that a significant number of drivers are able to remain calm in the face of poor driving and take evasive action to ensure they are not affected by the conduct of reckless drivers.”

Top ten signs to identify a reckless / careless driver(iii):
1. Tailgating
2. Ignoring pedestrian crossings
3. Overtaking on the inside lane
4. Straddling lanes
5. No indications when turning / changing lane
6. No lights in poor conditions
7. Cutting corners tightly / driving over hatched areas
8. Braking hard and fast
9. Constantly changing speed
10. Not reading traffic flows

Privilege specialises in offering highly competitive insurance for safe drivers, with a guarantee to beat fully comprehensive renewal quotes for any driver with 4 years + no claims discount. For a competitive Privilege quote, telephone 0845 246 8336 or visit www.privilege.com.

Privilege Insurance is underwritten by Direct Line Insurance plc, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.  Calls may be recorded.  Conditions apply.

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Suzie or Simon at iJack Communications:

Suzie Barrett
0207 419 8618/07813 203 423
suzie@ijack.com

Simon Francis
0207 419 7340/07747 621 945
Simon.Francis@ijack.com

i) YouGov questioned 2132 adults aged 17+ living in Great Britain between 17h- 19th August 2004.  Respondents were asked if they had ever in their lifetime been involved in a range of incidents, including accidents, as a result of trying to avoid a careless driver.

ii) Population of UK is 58,789,194 (Census 2001) of which 73 per cent drive (42,916,112).  11 per cent of these have been involved in an accident trying to avoid a reckless driver, which equals 4,720,772 over the course of a driver’s life.

iii) Top ten signs as identified by the 26 per cent of respondents who described their driving style as ‘careful’ as opposed to ‘competent’, ‘aggressive’, ‘confident’ or ‘nervous’.