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Texting, Excessive Speeding, Alcohol Consumption: British Dangerous Driving Habits Revealed

In the last month alone, 64% of motorists admit to driving dangerously with 1 in 9 drivers using a non hands-free mobile phone and more than 1 in 20 sending text messages whilst at the wheel
Health, Lifestyle, Technology - 10 August 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
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  News Hooks:

New research reveals that nearly two in three motorists (64%) admit to driving dangerously in the last month alone with increases in the number of those driving without a seat belt and also inflicting road rage on fellow road users in comparison to last year. The study showed an estimated 10.3 million male drivers embarked on some form of dangerous driving compared to approximately 8.7 million female drivers.

Eating and drinking whilst driving is the most prevalent dangerous habit (38%) followed by driving whilst feeling tired (28%) and some 16% have admitted to ‘excessive speeding’ in the last month.

Despite it being illegal to use a non hands-free mobile phone whilst driving, one in nine motorists (11%) said that they have done this in the last month and 6% are still sending text messages whilst at the wheel. Further to this, 11% admit to driving ‘the morning after the night before’ and 6% after having an alcoholic drink.

. Introduction:

New research into British driving habits reveals that many of us have become too self-assured behind the wheel and are giving in to a number of dangerous and illegal driving habits with men being worse than women. There have been increases in those driving without a seat belt, driving the morning after the night before and also road rage. Despite the law, motorists are still putting themselves and others in danger as they continue to speed, use mobile phones and text behind the wheel.

So why do we so often become careless behind the wheel and what can we do to make sure we are not putting ourselves and others at risk?

Joining us in the studio is Ben Tyte, Sainsbury's Car Insurance Manager.

. Suggested Questions:

What are the most common dangerous driving habits for people in our area, and how do we compare with the rest of the UK?

What would you classify as "potentially dangerous" driving activity?

Why do you think people develop these habits?

Are habits such as eating at the wheel really dangerous?

What advice would you give people who find themselves becoming prone to dangerous driving habits?

Where can we find more information?