Many UK drivers ‘would not pass theory test’ now
More than half of British drivers confess that they would not pass their theory test again if they re-took it now at short notice, new research has revealed.
In a new survey commissioned by Rooster Insurance, a staggering 70 per cent of drivers answered basic questions from the Highway Code incorrectly.
Alarmingly, more than half of over 35-year-olds have never refreshed their knowledge of the highway code, despite one in ten having committed a motoring offence in the past five years.
The news comes as updates to the Highway Code, which see horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians being given greater priority, are to be introduced with greater onus being put on drivers to protect more vulnerable road users.
Younger drivers (25 to 34 year-olds) seem more likely to be picked up on their poor driving, with 83 per cent admitting that they have been warned by the police.
However, more mature drivers (35 to 44 year-olds) are also in the wrong with 37 per cent admitting they have had run-ins with the police about their driving.
Richard Tucker, founder at Rooster Insurance, said: “The Highway Code is regularly updated to keep all drivers on the road safe, and the newest update is designed to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.
“It’s essential for motorists to understand the new rules in order to make journeys as safe as possible and reduce the possibilities of conflict or accidents.
“By simply reading the latest updates to the Highway Code as soon as they are realised will mean drivers are ensuring they know all the current safety rules. Learning how to be safe on the road shouldn’t stop as soon as you pass your test, it should continue long after.”
Another survey undertaken by the company revealed the driving habits which are most likely to result in an accident, and the bad news is,
many of us are doing them daily or weekly.
Risky driving behaviours motorists can engage in include typing messages, checking phones, and even taking phone calls not using hands-free, at the top of the list.
The survey of 1,000 UK motorists carried out by the insurer shows these habits are carried out on a daily or weekly basis by a large proportion of the driving population.
The top ten riskiest driving behaviours are ...
Typing messages or emails, reading messages or emails, speaking on the phone not using handsfree, speeding, driving late at night, tailgating, driving when tired, putting makeup on, shaving or doing hair while driving, eating while driving, and heavy braking.
Some most dangerous driving behaviours involve
phones with 34 per cent of drivers surveyed confessing to checking their mobile phone, sending texts or taking a call while driving.
Of those who check or use their mobile phone while driving, some of the main reasons for doing so include a message or notification flashing up (17 per cent), needing to check something before reaching a destination (16 per cent), or to pass the time (11 per cent).
Nearly one in 10 use their mobile phone while driving simply out of boredom, while five per cent do it out of habit.
Rooster Insurance is a new way for good drivers to buy car insurance. Drivers download the app on Apple or Android, drive around for about three weeks, then get a premium based primarily on their driving behaviour.
For more information visit joinrooster.co.uk site.