Drivers and motorists are risking an £80 fine as thousands break a driving law in a misguided push for fuel efficiency. New research from OOONO found that 19 per cent of drivers have recently begun driving faster due to the false belief that it would reduce petrol or diesel consumption.
One in four drivers are more likely to unintentionally exceed the speed limit when travelling with children in the car. In fact, 26 per cent admitted they had accidentally sped while carrying young passengers. Children were named as the biggest distraction behind the wheel, with 28 per cent saying under-18s are the main reason they lose focus while driving.
One in four drivers said they are preparing for longer journeys, while a similar number expect to make extra short trips. More than a third of drivers said they had either received a speeding fine or attended a speed awareness course following a UK family journey. Drivers penalised reported paying average fines of just over £80.
Expert Warnings
A spokesperson for OOONO said: "Family road trips should be enjoyable, but distractions, stress and confusion around speeding laws are creating unnecessary risks for drivers. With more families travelling this half term, it is important motorists stay focused, plan ahead and understand the rules of the road."
Separate Direct Line research found that 29 per cent of motorists have attended a speed awareness course, with 11 per cent doing so in the last three years. However, despite the educational focus of these courses, nearly a third (31 per cent) of attendees say they went on to receive further speeding tickets afterwards.
Insurance Implications
Kevin Mead, Head of Churchill Motor Insurance, added: "The introduction of innovations such as Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) offers real potential to encourage safer driving habits and help reduce the number of accidents caused by excessive speed. However, the majority of vehicles on our roads do not have this technology yet, so it’s important to stay vigilant when driving to ensure that you stay within the limits to help improve the safety of all road users."
He continued: "It’s essential that motorists inform their insurer if they, or anyone covered under their policy, commits a driving offence or has penalty points added to their licence. Failing to disclose driving offences could invalidate a policy or lead to claims being refused, so honesty is always the safest approach."
