Working drivers top law-breakers

Mar 28 2008 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

WORKING drivers are more likely to tailgate and speed on motorways and in towns than other drivers, it is claimed.

Research by Huddersfield-based road safety charity Brake and the Green Flag road rescue service reveals that most at-work drivers feel pressurised to get somewhere fast, risking lives.

Six out of 10 at-work drivers admit leaving less than a two-second gap between their vehicle and the one in front, as against four in 10 other drivers.

Three-quarters of at-work drivers admit speeding at 80mph or more on motorways, compared to half of other drivers.

Three-quarters of at-work drivers admit driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone, compared to six in 10 other drivers

Speeding is known to be a contributory factor in more than a quarter of deaths on UK roads.

In 2006 856 people died and 4,998 people were seriously injured in crashes with ‘exceeding the speed limit’ or ‘travelling too fast for the conditions’ as a contributory factor.

Tailgating, that is following too close, was a contributory factor in at least 54 deaths in 2006, with research showing motorways were a particular hotspot for this problem.

Brake wants the Government’s Transport Department to publish its research into satellite-controlled speed limiters.

If it is as successful as early results have suggested, the charity wants the system on all vehicles.

Brake also says the Government should spend more on speed cameras and traffic police to ensure drivers don’t break speed limits or drive too close.

It also wants tougher penalties for drivers caught speeding.

Cathy Keeler, Brake’s head of campaigning, says: “It’s horrifying that so many drivers admit breaking such basic road rules as leaving a two-second gap or sticking to the speed limit, especially when they drive for work.

“Work pressures are no excuse for impatient and aggressive driving.

“Given the terrible death toll of nine people killed every day on our roads there can be no room for complacency.”