UK motorists describe themselves as ‘safe’ while 43% drive with one hand on the wheel

UK motorists proudly rate themselves as ‘safe’ drivers, but a new survey exposes a range of regular driving offences.

Of 1,200 UK motorists 98% say they are safe drivers, according to a Select Car Leasing survey, 43% admit to driving with one hand on the wheel.

The results showed:

• 39% speeding in areas with no cameras
• 37% eating and/or drinking while driving
• 34% accelerating through yellow lights
• 22% not using indicators

The survey also reveals that despite the well-publicised threat of six penalty points and a £200 fine, a variety of phone-related offences continue, including 14% checking mobile devices for messages, 5% texting and 5% reading emails and accessing the internet.

The survey was able to pin-point regional differences for mobile related offences

The worst regions for checking mobile phones are:

• Wales (20%)
• Scotland (19%)
• West Midlands (18%)
• North East (18%)

However, people in East Anglia (10%), the North West (11%) and Yorkshire/Humber (11%) were much less likely to do this.

The research revealed that the public see a broad range of new safety technology as important to have on a new vehicle, with the most important or wanted features believed to be:

1. Tyre Pressure Monitors – 56%
2. Blind Spot Monitoring – 50%
3. Engine Temperature Check – 43%
4. Slippery Surface Detection – 41%
5. Forward Collision Warning – 39%
6. Autonomous Emergency Braking – 37%
7. Adaptable Front and Rear Lights for Optimal Visibility – 36%
8. Side Vehicle Assist – 31%
9. Pedestrian Detection Warning Ahead – 30%

Select Car Leasing’s director Mark Tongue: “Whilst most people are safe drivers, it’s clear from the driving habit data that there’s also many people who are not as safe.

"The new safety features and technologies being introduced by major manufacturers in 2018 are considerable and will undoubtedly help to reduce injuries and fatalities across our UK roads.

“We are finding that so many more people are now choosing to lease a car rather than buy because it gives them access to the latest safety and technology features as well as all-inclusive maintenance packages, at such an affordable price.

"Ultimately this means more people in newer safer cars, which can only benefit everyone on the roads.”