The trusty road map could become a thing of the past as new research reveals half (50%) of young drivers don’t know how to read a map.
- A new direction in navigation
The trusty road map could become a thing of the past as new research* reveals half (50%) of young drivers don’t know how to read a map.
The majority of motorists (84%) claim to have good map reading abilities, yet findings from the RAC Direct Insurance research* reveal this to be far from the truth. Put to the test, many failed to correctly answer a number of simple map reading questions. Younger drivers aged 18- 34 years old performed particularly badly:
- Almost two thirds (65%) of younger drivers (18-34) did not know that an “A” road is red on a standard road map
- Almost a third (29%) of drivers under 35 mistook the M40 for the River Avon
- More than one in seven (16%) motorists under 35 did not know which direction they’d be travelling in, driving from Birmingham to Nottingham
- Over a third (36%) of 18-34 year olds did not recognise the symbol for a level crossing on a map.
The results suggest a growing dependence on digital technology is to blame for drivers’ poor map reading skills. Traditional road maps are becoming increasingly redundant, with more than one in 10 (14%) drivers admitting to never using one. This figure rises to one in five (20%) drivers aged under 35, whilst more than a quarter (26%) of this same age group don’t even carry a road map in their vehicle.
Instead, half (50%) of motorists depend on online route planners to get from A to B and this figure climbs to 61% amongst the tech-savvy generation of under 35s. A love of gadgets and gizmos means a quarter (26%) of drivers under 35 now use satellite navigation to plan their route.
Elaine Watts, cartographic unit manager, Nottingham University commented: “It’s a shame to see advances in technology replacing a traditional skill. The enjoyment of map reading whilst on the road can be an integral aspect of the motoring experience, and fosters a greater understanding of spatial awareness. Younger motorists in particular, should be taught and encouraged to use road maps, to complement the latest digital technology.”
Older motorists are also embracing new technology with almost one in five 55-64 year olds (19%) installing satellite navigation systems. Four out of 10 (41%) still rely on a road map for planning their journey compared to just 18% of those under 35. Using maps more often means drivers aged 55-64 performed best with 56% passing the RAC Direct Insurance Map test survey**.
Adam Cracknell of RAC Direct Insurance said: “Planning a journey thoroughly should be a priority for all motorists, both young and old. Technology makes our lives easier and more convenient in so many ways, but it shouldn’t make us complacent. Route planners and satellite navigation systems can be a real benefit and using sat nav can even reduce insurance premiums. However, map reading is a really indispensable skill and investing in a good map is never a bad idea.”
RAC Direct Insurance has a range of products for cars, company cars, bikes, vans and young drivers. Motor insurance should be carefully tailored to the customer so RAC Direct Insurance’s "motorquoter" facility asks a series of driver profile related questions in a bid to lower premiums.
-ends-
RAC Press office contact:
Sonia Clarke or Chris Lauwerys
Lexis PR on 0207 908 6570 or 0207 908 6465
Adam Cracknell
RAC Press Office on 01603 684916
Notes to editors:
*RAC commissioned ICM to conduct research amongst 1,000 male and female drivers aged 18– 65+across the UK between 14 September and 18 September 2006.
**Respondents answered six questions designed to test their basic map reading skills. The average score for motorists aged 18-34 for all six questions was then calculated
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