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Sneaky motorists break the law 432 times a year - just driving to and from work, according to new research.
The survey, commissioned by Churchill Car Insurance* shows that drivers risk being pulled over by the police twice a day or ten times each week for a range of motoring offences. This all adds up to 46 million broken laws and Highway Code breaches between home and work each day.
Millions of drivers are calling and texting on mobile phones, skipping red lights and driving under the influence of drink or drugs. Other dangerous driving habits include overtaking on the inside lane of a motorway and putting on make-up behind the wheel.
But almost half of British drivers – 48 per cent – insist they are not aware they are driving against Highway Code regulations and in many cases breaking the law.
Speeding is the main offence for motorists when driving to and from work. Around 1.8 million drivers (7 per cent), claim speed cameras are the reason they break the law – because they are too busy trying to spot GATSO cameras** to notice they are committing other driving offences.
A third of men and women drive over the speed limit at some point on their daily routine, while 22 per cent are guilty of the second most frequent crime - driving over mini-roundabouts. The third most popular offence begins on the drive at home with motorists heading off despite having poor visibility due to snow and ice.
Drive Crime Top Ten
Mobile phones are another major cause of laws being broken by drivers. Nearly 4.4 million (17%) of the UK’s 26 million drivers admit to using their phone while on the way to work or going home. They are guilty of either making calls without an approved hands free kit or sending and reading texts.
A further eight per cent of motorists – or 2.1 million – will let their impatience get the better of them and use the inside lane to overtake cars moving slowly in the middle and outside lanes of the motorway.
Worryingly, almost 450,000 motorists admit they drive to or from work with their senses inhibited by either drink or drugs.
Almost 600,000 attempt their twice daily trip without wearing glasses even though they were prescribed specifically to help them drive.
Darren McCauley, Head of Car Insurance for Churchill said: “This survey is a real eye opener. When you add it all up, most drivers will be shocked about how many laws they break just on their daily commute.”
“Our research shows that drivers could do with brushing up on their Highway Code or they are likely to get points or a fine if stopped by the police for many of the offences. More importantly, drivers are completely unaware of the potentially dangerous consequences of their actions”
Almost 40 per cent admitted they would break laws when they were in a rush while 11 per cent insisted they would commit an offence if they saw another driver do it.
*Research commissioned by Churchill insurance among 2,500 drivers during January 2006.
** GATSO is a common term for speed cameras which were invented by former Dutch rally and racing driver Maurice Gatsonides.
For more information please contact:
Frances Browning
Churchill Insurance
020 8313 5965
pressoffice@churchill.com
