11 May 2018
Posted by Barry Aldworth 
Over 1 in 5 motorists admit to speeding during the last month, with the AA calling on drivers to respect the rules of the road at all times.
In response to an AA Car Insurance survey of over 4,000 motorists, 20.37% of respondents stated that they had broken the speed limit on at least one occasion during the past month. The research also found that a further 17.82% admitted to have sped during the past year.
The survey found that rates of speeding were worse among male drivers, with over a quarter of male respondents admitted to breaking the limit in the past month. 26.24% of male drivers surveyed admitted to speeding at least once in the past month, compared to 16.20% of women.
“When it comes to road safety speeding is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do, and it is simply inexcusable. Speed limits exist for a reason and, while there may be some poorly set limits, it is vitally important that motorists obey the signs on any given road,” Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs stated. “Driving over the limit will greatly reduce your reaction time in the event of an incident and greatly increases the danger that drivers pose to vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.”
The survey also found that drivers aged between 36 and 45 were the most likely to have broken the speed limit in recent weeks. 24.36% of motorists within this age bracket admitted to speeding in the past month, compared to the overall average of 20.37%
“Speeding is a behaviour we see across all demographics and it’s one which we need to make a concerted effort to stamp out. The idea that young drivers are the worst or indeed only offenders simply doesn’t hold up. Regardless of your age or circumstances there’s simply no excuses for speeding and endangering other road users as a result,” Faughnan added. “Stick to the limit and you not only increase your own chances of getting home safely but the odds of every other road user having a safe journey as well.”
