Drivers 'feel safe breaking laws'

MANY DRIVERS are taking risks on the roads through overconfidence and complacency, according to a survey.

As many as 69% of drivers admit putting others at risk by breaking traffic laws, the poll by road safety charity Brake and insurance company Direct Line found.

Yet nearly all of those questioned (99%) reckon they are comparatively safe.

Based on responses from 1,000 drivers, the survey also revealed that 35% said they broke laws because they believed they could handle the situation, while 33% admitted they did not pay enough attention while at the wheel.

Only 1% said they knew they were taking risks but drove recklessly anyway.

In addition, 5% said the roads were full of dangerous drivers and there were hardly any safe drivers, while only 1% reckoned the roads were full of safe drivers.

Brake deputy chief executive Julie Townsend said: "It is deeply concerning so many drivers break vital traffic laws, yet still believe they are safe.

"Anyone who thinks they can handle speeding, using a phone at the wheel or drink-driving is fooling themselves and taking an appalling chance with people's lives."

She went on: "Traffic laws exist to protect people from death and injury, and staying within them is a fundamental responsibility for everyone who drives."

Rob Miles, head of the motor section at Direct Line, said: "Drivers continue to flout the rules of the road without realising the devastating impact their actions can have. "

By Peter Woodman, Press Association