Excuses given by speeding drivers

MORE than three quarters of Coventry drivers admit speeding on the road - but just half have been caught.

Research has revealed that the excuses most often given by drivers for going over the speed limit include being late, not paying attention to speed limits, impatience, or just speeding out of habit.

Of the 47 per cent of Coventry drivers who have been caught speeding, 42 per cent have been caught more than once.

The research by MoneySuperMarket also revealed that the number of drivers obeying the speed limit varies according to different days and times.

Unsurprisingly, when the roads are clear in the early hours of the morning, 63 per cent of drivers break the speed limit. But at peak rush hour, from 3pm to 4pm, just 55 per cent of drivers ignore the limit.

With annual insurance costs rising by up to £72 - 14 per cent - for those with a speeding conviction, there’s good reason to stick to the limit. But, if you’ve already been caught, there is some good news.

Rachel Wait, consumer affairs spokesman at MoneySuperMarket, said: “If you are caught speeding and want to keep your insurance costs down, it’s worth seeing whether you can take part in a speed awareness course, which means you won’t get any points on your licence and provides a helpful reminder about speeding limits and the importance of driving safely.”

She added: “Our findings suggest that drivers are looking to take advantage of emptier roads on weekends and in the early hours, but it is important to remember that there are still major safety rules to abide by, no matter what time it is.”