How fast do you really drive? over 100 mph for one in six

• 17 per cent of motorists admit to driving at speeds of 100 mph and above on the motorway
• One in 10 have driven at more than 50 mph in a residential area where the speed limit is likely to be just 30 mph
• 55 per cent of drivers admit to putting their foot down when the roads are empty and 42 per cent significantly increase their speed in areas they are familiar with
• 11 per cent of motorists say they drive faster when listening to upbeat music
   

Almost seven million (17 per cent) motorists have hit speeds of 100 mph and above on the motorway, according to new research from Direct Line1.

Around two in five (38 per cent) drivers admitted to motorway speeds of over 90 mph and one in 10 (11 per cent) confessed to having driven at 50 mph or above in built-up residential areas. 61 per cent of drivers have also exceeded the speed limit in a 20mph zone.

The insurer’s study questioned motorists about the speeds they have driven at and found that the vast majority have broken UK speed limits, with 79 per cent having broken the 70 mph limit on motorways and 71 per cent having exceeded 30 mph in residential areas.

The research also questioned drivers about the factors most likely to make them speed and found that 55 per cent were likely to significantly increase their speed when the roads are clear. Familiarity with the roads also leads to motorists putting their foot down, with 42 per cent admitting this is a reason they are likely to significantly increase their speed.

Other situations likely to make drivers speed up included knowing there are no speed cameras (23 per cent) and playing upbeat music (11 per cent).

Table 1: Reasons why motorists would ‘significantly’ increase their speed

Source: Direct Line Car Insurance, 2014

When questioned about instances in which they were likely to reduce their speed, poor weather conditions was the most commonly cited (77 per cent of motorists). Driving in an unfamiliar area (71 per cent), when passing a school (70 per cent) and driving in areas with speed cameras or a police presence (61 per cent) were also common reasons for reducing speed. 

Rob Miles, director of Motor at Direct Line, commented: “We know motorists aren’t driving at these excessive speeds all the time, but even as a one-off it’s still extremely dangerous. Even in good driving conditions, the stopping distance at 100mph is almost double the stopping distance at the motorway limit of 70mph2.

“It’s easy to put your foot down when you’re feeling rushed or if there aren’t any speed cameras, but we’d urge motorists to drive with due care and attention as many are risking the safety of other road users, as well as their licence.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Katie Pugh

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Tel: 0207 282 2914

E-mail: katie.pugh@citigatedr.co.uk
 

Vicky Bristow

Direct Line Press Office

Tel: 01239 637377

Email: Vicky.Bristow@directlinegroup.co.uk
 

Notes to editors:

[1] Opinium research interviewed a UK nationally representative sample of 2004 people, of which 77.34% were motorists, 14th – 18thFebruary 2014. According to ONS figures, the UK adult population is 50,371,000. 77.34% x 50,371,000 = 38,959,606. 17.87% of motorists indicated they have driven over 100mph when on the motorway. 17.87% x 38,959,606 = 6,962,459.

2 Average stopping distance at 70 mph is 315 feet and at 100 mph is 600 feet, based on the formula:

(speed) ² ÷ 20 + thinking distance = overall stopping distance in feet

Research PDF
 

Reasons why motorists would significantly decrease their speed

Source: Direct Line Car Insurance, 2014

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com