Motorists are breaking the rules of the road with increasing impunity because they do not believe they are likely to be caught, a new national survey of drivers behaviour has shown. It found that over the last 12 months the numbers of drivers admitting to speeding, breaking red lights and using mobile phones has increased, writes David Labanyi
This has led to an increase in road rage, according to the National Survey of Motorists' Behaviour and Attitudes to Road Safety, carried out by UCD Smurfit Business School for FBD insurance and Advance Pitstop.
Four out of five motorists surveyed admitted breaking the speed limit and just under half; 44 per cent, admitting to driving after drinking alcohol.
Adrian Taheny, FBD's director of marketing and sales, said although motorists admitted they were aware of breaking the rules, the only effective deterrent was increased policing. Speeding was the major cause of accidents, yet 80 per cent of motorists knowingly break the limits he added.
When drivers were asked for suggestions to improve road safety, two-thirds of those surveyed called for more policing. However, the survey did not ask motorists how frequently they encountered garda checkpoints.
The intractable issue of drink-driving was also highlighted, with 40 per cent of drivers admitting to having drunk three or more units of alcohol before driving. A higher proportion of male motorists, at 48 per cent, admitted drinking and driving compared to 40 per cent of female drivers.
Motorists under the age of 24 were the least likely to drink and drive, with 34 per cent admitting they had done so. Drivers in the 45-years-of-age and over bracket were the most likely to drink and drive, with 55 per cent of this group admitting they had driven after consuming alcohol.
Three-quarters of motorists said they used their mobile phones while driving, despite only 35 per cent having hands-free kits.
The proportion of motorists experiencing road rage has increased over the last year to 62 per cent. There has also been an increase in the higher number of drivers becoming tired at the wheel and one in eight drivers admitted falling asleep while driving.
Strong opposition to road tolling was found with 80 per cent of motorists against their use to fund road upgrades. A narrow majority are also opposed to another recent policy decision, the privatisation of speed cameras.
The report has been sent to An Garda, the Departments of Transport, Justice and Environment and the National Safety Council and the National Roads Authority.