Great Britain is a motoring nation. A country of nearly 36 million drivers, who rely on their cars day in, day out, as they go about their everyday routines. Despite fuel prices, pot holes, taxes and bottlenecks, we refuse to turn our backs on the car, and it continues to play a crucial role in all our lives. This year’s RAC Report on Motoring explores British motorists’ relationship with their car and with motoring in general. It examines motorists’ behaviours, attitudes and beliefs to paint the most detailed and accurate picture yet of what makes drivers in ‘Motoring Britain’ today tick. Based on research from a sample of 1,526 British drivers and with expert commentary from a distinguished panel of leading motoring industry experts1, this report is essential reading for motorists, transport authorities, industry bodies, politicians and policymakers alike. Some of the key findings in this year’s report include: Cost of fuel is still a top concern for motorists With the last recession fresh in motorists’ minds, many are still worried about the high cost of petrol and diesel. The freeze on fuel duty and falling world oil prices have helped to stabilise how much motorists pay at the pumps and have restored confidence to an extent; but some 47% of motorists still rank the cost of fuel as their biggest motoring concern. While even more motorists ranked the cost of fuel as their top concern last year, it is clear drivers are still feeling vulnerable and are only too aware that fuel prices could rise again. Drivers have had enough of pot holed roads Motorists are getting more and more concerned about the state of Britain’s roads and the sheer number of potholes, particularly on the local roads they use every day. The pothole epidemic is a major worry for 41% of motorists this year, compared to just over a third (36%) this time last year. Two thirds of drivers (66%) believe that local roads have been neglected by the authorities and have deteriorated over the last 12 months as a result. And, older drivers are most likely to notice the worsening condition of their local roads, with over three quarters (77%) rating it as a top concern. Such is the strength of feeling about the state of the UK’s roads, that a third of motorists (36%) would willingly pay more motoring tax if the additional funds generated were ring-fenced to go back into improving local roads. Motorists need to brush up on the Highway Code This year’s report shows that motorists are failing to maintain their knowledge of current motoring laws and driving best practice over the years after passing the driving test. When asked about the recommended stopping distances at 70mph on motorways and at 30mph on local roads, only a small minority knew the correct distance and, worryingly, the majority seriously underestimated the correct stopping distances. There is also a lack of understanding of the law on new driving offences such as tailgating and hogging the middle lane, and a majority of motorists don’t understand the law regarding using mobile phones while driving. The vast majority of motorists think it is perfectly legal to send texts while their car is stationary with the engine running, with only 39% of drivers recognising that it is illegal to do so. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting