A survey which has been carried out by GEM Motoring Assist has revealed the top ten dangers that UK motorists believe they face on the motorway, with an astonishing 85% claiming tailgating was the worst offence as it caused highly dangerous situations.
66% also lambasted drivers using their mobile phones on the motorway, with a similar number claiming those driving in the middle lane when the left hand lane is empty is dangerous as well.
There was also contention in relation to learner drivers, with many stating driving instructors should never be allowed to bring learners onto the motorway, while some others claimed extra driving lessons after a successful test pass should be required.
The Top 10 dangers according to the poll are as followes;
- Tailgating
- Driving while using a mobile phone
- Driving in the middle lane when the left hand lane is empty
- Changing lanes without adequate observations or signals
- Driving on the hard shoulder to avoid traffic
- Entering a motorway from a slip road without adequate observations or signals
- Driving too slowly
- Speeding
- Use of the outside lane by LGVs
- Stopping on the hard shoulder when there is no emergency
David Williams, GEM’s CEO, commented on the results, stating "Drivers need to make sure they are taking every precaution if they are planning to use a motorway and be fully aware of the dangers. We believe that bad motorway driving such as tailgating and driving in the middle lane when the left hand lane is empty should definitely be more strictly enforced as it is this kind of careless driving that can lead to frustration, annoyance and possible accidents.
"It is shocking that a large number of motorists are in favour of raising the motorway speed limit as research shows that this would considerably increase the number of casualties, levels of carbon emissions and fuel consumption. Safety is our top priority for UK drivers and we hope by warning the public of these dangers we can help raise awareness and in turn make roads a safer place."