British motorists are most likely to break traffic laws during the morning and evening rush hours, with 8:27am and 7:15pm identified as the peak times for offences, according to new research.
Revealing Driving Habits Across Britain
A comprehensive survey of 2,000 motorists has uncovered the precise moments when drivers are most likely to ignore the Highway Code. The study, commissioned by AXA Retail as part of its 'Backseat Boss' road safety education programme, found that nearly half (45%) of drivers admit they're more likely to break rules in familiar areas.
26% of respondents confessed to regularly driving above legal speed limits, while more than a quarter (26%) said they might break driving laws when roads appear empty. Surprisingly, 15% admitted they could commit offences when desperate to use the toilet.
Consequences and Public Opinion
The research revealed significant consequences for those caught breaking traffic laws. Among the 61% of motorists who had been caught speeding, 29% saw their insurance costs increase, while 18% faced higher excess payments. A further 6% had to move to specialist high-risk insurers.
Public opinion strongly supports safer roads near schools, with 87% of respondents backing a blanket 20mph speed limit outside primary schools during drop-off and pick-up times. Additionally, 86% believe local authorities should work more closely with primary schools to improve road safety.
Expert Warnings and Child Safety Concerns
Alain Zweibrucker, CEO for AXA Retail, emphasised the importance of vigilance: "It's vital for motorists to stay alert when on the road and avoid distractions that can cause accidents. This is especially important near schools, yet you still see many ignoring signs even when children are nearby."
Katrina Phillips, CEO of the Child Accident Prevention Trust, highlighted the particular risks around schools: "While it might be tempting to speed in an area we know well, what we can't anticipate is a child suddenly running or veering out in front of us. The speed we drive at can be the difference between life and death for that child."
The survey also found that exactly half of drivers are more likely to break laws when travelling alone, and 19% have received comments from child passengers about their driving behaviour.
Top 10 reasons drivers break traffic laws:
- Medical emergency (33%)
- Road is empty or quiet (26%)
- Misjudging the speed limit (22%)
- Late for an appointment
- Not concentrating on driving speed
- Running late for work
- Being late for an event
- Trying to make up time after a delay
- Distracted and not paying attention
- Needing to use the toilet urgently (15%)
