41 million motorists admit to dangerous summer driving mistakes

Authored by Aviva

• Almost one in five (19%) Brits admit to using their phone behind the wheel
• Nearly one in seven (15%) admit to smoking or vaping when driving
• One in six (16%) have worn flip flops or sliders and one in 10 (10%) have driven barefoot 
• 8% let their pet stick its head out of the car 
• Mistakes – however innocent - could lead to people facing a fine

With summer holidays around the corner, new research by Aviva reveals the dangerous mistakes some motorists are making when behind the wheel.

The research, which surveyed 2,003 Brits, reveals that many motorists could be failing to use both hands when driving, with one in five (19%) using their phone while at a standstill. This is in spite of restrictions around mobile phone usage while driving first being introduced in 2003.

The research also shows that three quarters of drivers (78%) admit to having either eaten something or had a drink (non-alcoholic) while driving. Similarly, one in seven (15%) admit to smoking or vaping behind the wheel.

10 driving habits that could affect summer driving are revealed as:

1. Worn sunglasses (49%)
2. Eaten something (44%)
3. Had a drink - non-alcoholic (34%)
4. Beeped my horn out of anger (32%)
5. Worn a hat (24%)
6. Used my phone at a standstill (19%)
7. Worn flip flops or sliders (16%)
8. Driven when smoking or vaping (15%)
9. Driven barefoot (10%)
10. Taken medication just before and not checked whether it has any side effects e.g. anti-histamine (8%) and let my pet stick its head out of the car (8%)

It seems that driving attire could also be cause for concern, with one in eight (16%) wearing flip flops or sliders and one in 10 (10%) driving barefoot.

Other driving habits include letting a pet stick its head out of the car (8%), deliberately speeding because they were hot and wanted to get somewhere quicker (7%) and using a handheld or battery fan when driving (4%).

The Aviva research also suggests driving errors may be due to people’s lack of knowledge around the rules of the road. For example, over a third of people surveyed (36%) didn’t know that it is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving a motor vehicle – even when stationary. Similarly, two thirds of people (69%) do not think smoking or vaping while driving goes against the Highway Code, but the action may contravene the rules if someone is distracted by smoking or vaping while at the wheel.

This means that motorists could be accidently making themselves vulnerable to hefty fines, points on their licence and in worst case scenarios, prosecution.

Martin Smith, Motor Claims Manager at Aviva, commented: “With many about to start their summer holidays, our research shows that a large portion of drivers are taking dangerous risks while behind the wheel of a car. Not only does this increase the chance of a collision, it means that you could receive a fine and/or points on your licence which may affect how much you pay for car insurance in the future.

“No matter how tempting, it’s important that drivers remove any potential distractions in their car and make sure they are appropriately dressed for driving - which includes footwear too. Changing a few of your driving habits only takes a few minutes and can prevent an incident from occurring.”