By John Simpson 26 April 2011
As motorists employ every trick available to conserve fuel, over a quarter of drivers are underestimating the dangers of coasting, a new survey has revealed.
High street insurer Swinton quizzed 1,200 motorists and found that 27% of them admitted to coasting in a conscious bid to save fuel.
Just under a fifth of those (19%) didn’t consider coasting to be dangerous.
“We're concerned that motorists are sacrificing safety in an attempt to save on fuel costs,” said Steve Chelton, Insurance Development Manager at Swinton Car Insurance.
“The cost of getting into an accident, which could then lead to a car Insurance claim, is definitely greater than whatever marginal savings in fuel costs you will get from coasting or not using your car lights.”
Drivers have also resorted to less risky measures to cut fuel consumption. Silence is golden for 8% of drivers who admitted to turning off their car stereo while 17% of motorists said they would wind down a window instead of flicking on the A/C.
Swinton Insurance stressed that coasting can compromise the effectiveness of the footbrake and result in less responsive steering, particularly on bends and corners.
Vehicle speed downhill will increase rapidly while it may be more difficult to select the appropriate gear when needed.
Categories: Fleet news , Association of British Insurers
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