Which of these road safety weaknesses are you vulnerable to

Research conducted by Millward Brown on behalf of Liberty Insurance into driver safety behaviour has revealed that more people would take their mobile phone than their driving licence with them on long journeys!

·         An overwhelming proportion of the surveyed drivers in Leinster (82%), stated they would ensure to take their mobile phones with them when going on a long journey, but only 67% would take their driving licence despite the legal requirement to do so. Amongst the youth demographic nationwide only 50% would take their driving licence on a long journey

·         58% of Leinster drivers keep their sunglasses in their car, but only 37% of drivers have a torch

·         Surprisingly over a quarter (27%) of Leinster drivers stated they do not have a spare tyre but 64% keep shopping bags for grocery shop in their car

·         Leinster has the highest proportion of drivers who have a first aid kit in their car (40% vs. 35% nationally)

·         Interestingly a third (33%) of Leinster drivers store a St Christopher’s medal, holy water or other religious effects in their car

·         49% of people in Leinster believe Sunday Drivers to be slower and less confident than drivers on other days 

·        40% of Leinster drivers agree that the model of car you drive says something about who you are.

·         33% of Leinster drivers believe that it is okay to drive into a yellow box if they are turning right

·         10% of Leinster respondents believe it is okay to text in the car when waiting at traffic lights despite the law banning this activity.

When asked if they would be more cautious when driving behind a car with a baby on board sticker, well over half (62%) of the surveyed population in Leinster stated they would not be any more cautious.

With an increase in long journeys expected as the summer draws to a close, 5% of Leinster drivers believe it is safe to drive in flip flops. This increases to 8% of drivers nationally and 12% among the youth demographic nationwide, and most surprisingly to nearly 1 in 5 (18%) of those with a young family nationwide.

Annette Ni Dhathlaoi, Head of Marketing, Liberty Insurance said; ‘Our research has revealed some surprising and alarming insights into driver safety behaviour and habits. We would like to remind people as the summer draws to a close to ensure your car is equipped with all the essentials to deal with an emergency breakdown, be it day or night in either an urban or rural area; don’t use your mobile phone, even when stopped in traffic; and follow our tips to #DriveSafer”.