Skip to main content

New driver study reveals Britain’s ten worst driving habits

According to a study by business driving expert, the Fuelcard Company, which questioned 1,000 drivers across the UK more than half of British drivers (52 per cent) have picked up some potentially dangerous driving habits. These include going too fast or too slow, texting while driving, using the phone or hands-free, eating or smoking at the wheel, driving too close to other vehicles, throwing rubbish out of the window, hogging the middle lane and checking phone notifications. Interestingly, more than
September 23, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
According to a study by business driving expert, the Fuelcard Company, which questioned 1,000 drivers across the UK more than half of British drivers (52 per cent) have picked up some potentially dangerous driving habits.

These include going too fast or too slow, texting while driving, using the phone or hands-free, eating or smoking at the wheel, driving too close to other vehicles, throwing rubbish out of the window, hogging the middle lane and checking phone notifications.

Interestingly, more than a third of drivers claim to only practice these bad habits when they are in their car alone. However, despite confessing to exhibiting some of these bad habits, more than one-in-four (27 per cent) of UK drivers claim to be the best driver they know and 37 per cent say they are a better driver than their partner.

The report also asked drivers about road rage with 38 per cent admitting they felt they suffered from it. The DVLA currently lists 45.5 million drivers in Great Britain, equating to 17 million drivers suffering from road rage.

Other bad practices identified in the study include driving without shoes (13 per cent), singing while driving (31 per cent) and shockingly, committing sexual acts (8 per cent).

Richard Brown, Commercial Director at The Fuelcard Company said: Whether you’re driving for personal or business reasons, bad habits can take a driver’s attention off the road meaning they can miss potential hazards.

“Some of the habits we identified seem relatively innocent, but we’d urge people to pay attention next time they’re behind the wheel to see exactly how many of these habits they’re guilty of without even realising it – they may be surprised. We’ve conducted this study to stress the importance of paying proper attention when you’re driving, to ultimately make sure our roads are a safe place to be.”

Related Content

  • Georgia Yexley: Here's how micromobility can deliver public good
    June 27, 2023
    Georgia Yexley, founder of Loud Mobility, looks at the lessons on diversity, equity and inclusion which can be learned from the US and wider – and explores why it is a vital component for industry growth in the UK
  • EVs stir interest but face obstacles – IBM study
    May 18, 2012
    Many automobile industry executives believe that sales of traditional vehicles will peak before 2020 and are looking to electric-only vehicles (EVs) as one of the next hot products, but they will first have to address stringent consumer requirements about EV performance, recharging, and convenience, according to a new IBM survey of consumer attitudes and a recent study of auto industry executives.
  • Support for speed cameras remains high – but some drivers need convincing
    October 29, 2015
    A national survey by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has shown that although most drivers support speed cameras there are big variations across the country – and Londoners and people in the north-east appear to show higher levels of resistance than most. The survey polled 1,000 drivers of all age groups across Britain and asked “It is now common for the authorities to use speed cameras at the side of the road to identify vehicles involved in speeding offences. How acceptable do you think this i
  • '2024 is the year of the charger' says Shailen Bhatt
    March 28, 2024
    US Federal Highway Administration leader confident in EV industry growth