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British Drivers Risk Safety For Style

New research reveals that both men and women are risking the safety of themselves and others as they admit to dangerous driving behaviours.
Fashion & Retail, Health, Lifestyle - 7 July 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Maria McCarthy and Tony Chilcott| Login to Download

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  News Hooks:

New research reveals safety is being sacrificed on British roads with over a fifth (21%) of women and 15% of men admitting that they regularly use the rear view mirror to check their appearance whilst driving.

The research showed a war of opinions between genders as both men and women believe they are the better drivers. Both sexes however are flouting safety for style as 41% of women confess to driving whilst wearing high-heel or wedge shoes, which can easily come off or get stuck in the pedals, and one in twenty men (5%) have changed their clothes whilst driving.

Despite experts stressing the dangers of multi-tasking while driving, over one in ten (11%) female motorists have admitted to applying make-up and styling their hair and a number of men say they have had a shave at the wheel.

. Introduction:

New research reveals motorists are jeopardising safety on the road as they use the rear-view mirror to check their appearance instead of looking for other road users. Despite experts highlighting the fatal danger of inattention whilst driving, both sexes confess to multi-tasking in the car. Further to this many women wear high-heel or wedge shoes and some men change their clothes whilst driving, defying the Highway Code which states that clothing and footwear should not prevent the driver from using the controls of a car in the correct manner.

As men and women across the country admit to multi-tasking in the car, how can we make motorists realise the dangers of distraction whilst driving?

Joining us in the studio is Maria McCarthy who is an author and expert in this field and Tony Chilcott, Head of Churchill Car Insurance.

. Suggested Questions:

What did the research reveal about multi-tasking while driving in our area and how do we compare to other areas of the UK?

According to people in our area, who are the better drivers, men or women?

What are the dangers of multi-tasking in the car?

Why do people continue to jeopardise the safety of themselves and others when driving?

How can we avoid dangerous driving?

Where can we find out more information?