More than a quarter (28%) of male drivers admit they have driven above 100mph, more than three times the number of women (9%), new research from Brake suggests.

The research of more than 2,000 UK drivers also found that nearly one in five of all UK drivers (18%) and one in three (33%) of 25-35-year-old drivers have admitted to speeding at more than 100mph on a public road.

One in three (32%) of all UK drivers, nearly half (44%) of male drivers (21% for females) and nearly half (47%) of 25-34 year old drivers admit to having been in a vehicle speeding at more than 100mph on a public road, either as the driver or a passenger, the research found.

Drivers caught exceeding 100mph on public roads face a driving ban of up to eight weeks, and a fine of 150% of their weekly income.

Roads Minister, Baroness Vere, said: “Speeding is illegal, reckless and puts people’s lives at unnecessary risk. For this reason, there are tough penalties and strict enforcement measures in place for those who disobey the law.

“We’re working hard to change attitudes that lead to speeding, including through our THINK! campaign which targets young men.

“The stories of families who have lost loved ones are absolutely heart-breaking. So please always remember there is no need to speed.”

Brake says stopping distances at 100mph are approximately 182m – the length of nearly two football pitches– making stopping in time to avoid a crash practically impossible.

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for Brake, the road safety charity, said: “There is no excuse for breaking the speed limit and these figures highlight the grossly excessive speeds of some drivers who show complete disregard for the law and people’s safety.

“None of us should be put in danger by the high-risk behaviour of others when we’re getting about on roads, and that’s why, this Road Safety Week, we are asking everyone to join us in our call that there is no need to speed.”

The findings have been released to mark the start of Road Safety Week 2020, taking place between November 16-22, highlighting road danger with the message ‘No need to speed’.

Brake, in partnership with police forces, is also revealing police data on the highest speeds over the limits in police force areas.

The highest excess speed recorded by the Metropolitan Police was a driver travelling at 152mph in a 30mph zone. The highest speed overall, was 180mph, captured by Nottinghamshire Police in a 70mph zone.

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