Brits admit their own poor driving adds to road rage

More than seven in ten Brits admit their own poor driving adds to road rage as driver error remains the greatest cause of accidents, according to new research released today for Continental Tyres.

The study reveals that over 25 million motorists apply double-standards and get sufficiently wound up by the slack habits of others, resulting in them reacting angrily and even driving more aggressively.

The responses of 2,000 drivers identified that three quarters of us see poor driving skills as a major safety concern – and their greatest irritation when behind the wheel.

The research was commissioned to address how road safety can be improved and accidents reduced as part of Continental Tyres' long term commitment to 'Vision Zero', with the aim of reducing accidents through its innovative tyre technologies and automotive systems.

Department for Transport figures report more than 500 accident every day result in an injury or fatality (figures to year ended March 2015).

As technology automates more features of driving, it is the advances in safety systems that we hope will be a major solution to eliminate our own erratic performance behind the wheel.

Mark Griffiths, Safety spokesman for Continental Tyres said: “Driving is a complex task that requires attention and concentration – when we fail to do that it creates problems for ourselves and other road users.

“That ranges from a heated exchange with other road users to something more serious – so it is vital we make safety our primary consideration for the duration of every journey.”

The study also reports that we see bad driving habits on one in every four journeys, the worst being using a mobile, driving too close (tailgating), dangerous overtaking and failing to signal.

Despite recognising the risks, 39 per cent of motorists admit to having broken the speed limit in the last month. Nearly one in ten also own up to using their mobile when in charge of a vehicle.

Mark Griffiths of Continental Tyres added: “Adopting a double-standard and disapproving of the faults of others whilst ignoring our own failings is a clear concern.

“We and other automotive businesses have engineers delivering new technologies to improve road safety. Importantly though it cannot replace the need for motorists to be attentive so they enjoy their driving experience and improve safety for themselves and those they share the roads with.”

With the prospect of driverless cars, people are starting to consider the benefits that will be delivered over the coming years.

The top ten list of advantages of autonomous driving are identified in the study as:

1. Road safety
2. More efficient / reduced journey times
3. Less concentration required
4. Reduced insurance costs (through fewer accidents)
5. Opportunity to use mobile
6. Increased mobility for non-drivers
7. Opportunity to eat in the car
8. Opportunity to read in the car
9. More productive use of time
10. Opportunity to use tablet/laptop

Notes to editors:

For more information on Continental, contact:

Communications Officer, Mark Griffiths on 01895 425983 or 07500 049720 or mark.griffiths@conti.de

About Continental:

Continental Tyres in the UK and Ireland is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Continental Corporation. With sales of around €34.5 billion in 2014, Continental is one of the world's leading automotive suppliers. As a provider of tyres, brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also an expert partner in networked automobile communication and currently employs more than 208,000 people in 53 countries.