Cheap and cheerful Chevy W

motorist drifting into their lane on a motorway or dual carriageway in the last year.

Half of drivers also reported people drifting into them at junction and roundabouts. A third (33 per cent) of drivers admitted they lack lane discipline and have drifted onto the rumble strips on a motorway or dual carriageway. The lives of cyclists are also being endangered by the one in six (18 per cent) drivers who have drifted into a dedicated cycle lane in the last year alone.

The research reveals the serious implications of drivers failing to maintain lane discipline on UK roads.

Almost 1.5 million drivers reported needing to swerve off the road to avoid an accident because of others’ poor lane discipline.

Drifting also causes drivers to take risky evasive action. More than 12 million drivers had to slam on their brakes to avoid an accident because of their lane drifting.

Rob Miles, director of car insurance at Direct Line, said: “Failing to stay in your lane, even just for a split second, has the potential to cause a fatal accident when travelling at high speeds on a motorway. If drivers feel tired or are struggling to maintain their focus then they should find a safe place to pull over and take a break.

“This research highlights the benefit of Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning systems and we would strongly recommend that those in the market for a new car consider a model with this technology. It could be the difference between having an accident or avoiding one.” HENEVER I’m asked about what would be a good car for people with families, I always say ‘anything with five doors’.

And when they ask ‘Why five doors?’ I say because a three door might be cheaper, but getting little ones in and out of car seats in one is a recipe for serious back trouble!

Some small cars, like the Skoda Fabia, were only available with five doors, but another is the good value Chevrolet Matiz.

Now, by this stage the Korean-made city car is down to almost banger territory and as cheap as chips, but there are still quite a number out there with lowish miles and full service history – just the kind of car many of us need.

Some cars in the class will not even fit kids in the back but this one manages enough rear legroom for adults.

It’s also good value for money, with high specification compared to some other city cars and very reasonable prices.

Engines are either three cylinder 800cc with 50bhp, or four cylinder 1 litre with 65, and performance around town is fair in either.

But if you’re likely to use it for longer journeys, the 1 litre is a must, because the 800cc engine runs out of puff very quickly at motorway speeds, and because the larger unit is just as economical, managing 45-50mpg driven carefully.

The five speed gearchange is slick and the clutch is light, but the power steering is pretty lacking in feel at speed.

Roadholding is safe and sure, with a decent level of grip, and comfort is good over most surfaces.

The Matiz is generally very easy to drive, and a tight turning circle means parking and manoeuvring in town are fairly simple.

Inside, everything is simple and functional with a decently high driving position. The main dials were available in blue orange and green backgrounds, and are above the centre console, with warning lights in front of the driver.

The steering wheel is not adjustable but the driver’s seat height can be changed in SE and SX models.

All have twin airbags, 60/40 split fold rear seat, remote locking, RDS CD radio and power steering. The SE adds body coloured door handles, internally adjustable door mirrors, vanity mirrors, electric front windows, digital clock and under seat tray.

Range-topping SX adds air con, side airbags, body coloured door mirrors, front foglamps, sunglasses holder, bigger alloys and electric rear windows.

Pay about £825 for an ’09 09-reg SE, £1,225 for an ’11 11-reg SE+.