Slow rage–6 in 10 motorists angered by snail-like drivers
Dawdling motorists who create danger on the roads by driving too slow should face similar punishment to those who exceed the speed limit, according to an insurance comparison website.
Research from Confused.com suggests that 60% of motorists have been enraged and frustrated by slow-coach motorists with nearly half of us (45%) prepared to risk a collision by overtaking them.
Around a third of respondents revealed that they have either had an accident or come frighteningly close due to slow drivers who, according to figures from the Department of Transport, cause 143 accidents every year.
With little in the way of enforcement to tackle the problem, half of those who took part in Confused.com’s survey would welcome the introduction of ‘slow speed cameras’ and penalties for snail-like motoring.
Anxiety
Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com, called on the Government to combat slow motorists in the same manner as speed demons.
“Slow drivers need to be taken as seriously as motorists caught speeding,” he commented.
“Findings confirm they are a constant source of anxiety on UK roads and responsible for a large amount of accidents each year.
“We support the introduction of a programme of measures to eliminate this hazard as our research has highlighted that excessively slow driving is a real problem. It could make a difference and help reduce motorists putting themselves or others at risk.”
Aside from cameras, a quarter of respondents suggested transforming the hard shoulder into a slow lane while 37% would welcome a nationwide minimum speed limit. 5% believe a warning badge would make a difference.
Peter Rodger from The Institute of Advanced of Motorists (IAM) supports the need for change on Britain’s roads, “All forms of inconsiderate driving need to be tackled. Drivers who are unnecessarily excessively slow lead others to make rash moves.”
In-car quarrels
Meanwhile, speeding has been revealed as the most common subject for in-car arguments.
The survey from Tesco Cars found that driving too fast was the cause of nearly a quarter of in-car quarrelling (22%).
Rebecca Ryan, Marketing Manager of Tesco Cars, said: “Most couples will have argued about something in the car at one time or another.
“Given the potentially serious consequences of speeding, perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that it is the chief cause of fights.”
Getting the directions wrong was the second most frequent cause of fights on the road (18%), trailed by tailgating (13%) and overly aggressive driving (11%).
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