Many of us hold preconceptions about specific makes and models – and now research from automotive retailer Peter Vardy has revealed all regarding the UK’s best and worst-behaved drivers.
From TV and films to video games, certain cars have always created an impression of the person behind the wheel. Some indicate wealth and power. Others speed or overcautiousness. But now the results are out, and it’s time to strap in.
Britain’s best-behaved drivers are…
Based on the percentage of drivers with zero points on their license, survey data found Suzuki, Volvo and Vauxhall drivers to be the best-behaved in the country, with 75% of Suzuki and Volvo drivers and 69% of Vauxhall drivers staying on the right side of the law.
When broken down by location, Edinburgh and Glasgow residents are the best behaved drivers, with 67% and 64% respectively making it from A to B without incurring any penalties. Drivers in Norwich tail close behind at 62%.
Who should you steer clear of?
Certain models force us to drop back or change lanes on the motorway. Others may cause you to drive a little further in the hunt for a parking space.
In what may confirm a stereotype for some, BMW drivers were found to be the most likely to have speeding or reckless driving offences under their name.
It seems our choice of colour can make a difference too – drivers of green Audis are most likely to commit a driving offence overall, while those behind the wheel of a red car of any model are 10% more likely to speed than those driving white or cream cars.
You should take extra care when passing through London, Bristol and Sheffield, too. Driving in a busy city can be a little hairy at the best of times, but only 38%, 34% and 20% of road users in these locations have swerved driving offences altogether.
How’s my driving?
Do you take great pride in your driving skills? If so, you’re not alone. When asked how they rated their own driving abilities compared to others, UK drivers scored themselves on average 7 out of 10 – but only awarded their fellow road-users 5.7.
When it comes to age, the over 65s rated themselves the most capable of all the age groups, despite the fact that a higher number had been caught speeding than 18-24-year olds. Perhaps the boy racer cliché needs revisiting?
Our hometown is another source of great pride for many. Liverpudlians deemed themselves worthy of 2 marks higher than other road users, while 15% in the capital backed themselves with a flawless 10/10 score.
A nation of offenders
It can feel easy to overdo it on the accelerator and slip over the speed limit. Sometimes it’s not safe to stop at an amber light. But often it appears we’re not taking due care and attention behind the wheel.
The survey highlighted that over half of Brits have been caught, cautioned or prosecuted for a crime while driving. Perhaps more concerningly, 37% admitted to knowingly driving with defective parts.
British men are 10% more likely to be caught speeding than women, though women are seven times more likely to fall foul of driving whilst disqualified. Driving without insurance is the next most common offence, stressing the importance of ensuring your papers are up to date.
How do you rate yourself as a driver? With the majority of us guilty of at least one driving offence or another, perhaps our perceptions aren’t always perfect.
