According to new research, there’s one positive of soaring fuel prices. It’s seemingly caused drivers to adopt safer driving habits…
Safer Driving Habits?
It’s difficult to see how soaring fuel prices, during a cost-of-living crisis, could possibly have a silver lining. But new research conducted by the road safety charity IAM RoadSmart suggests that they may have prompted drivers to adopt safer habits on the road network. A survey of 1,004 motorists found that 72% have changed their behaviour behind the wheel as a result of the price of fuel. More specifically, 38% have said that they now drive more smoothly; and 19% are more frequently sticking to the speed limit.
The charity has suggested that these changes could have a significant effect on the nation’s road safety. Indeed, figures released by the Department for Transport have shed light on the impact of dangerous driving habits. For instance, speeding was a factor in 7% of all road accidents. In addition, 17% of those accidents involved a fatality. Travelling too fast for road conditions was a factor in 13% of all accidents, and they accounted for 27% of all fatalities.
A Win-Win
Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, has stated that the new driving habits being adopted will improve road safety and save motorists money at the pumps. He explained, “driving slower and more economically will no doubt help keep the pain at the pumps down, but another positive impact of this is, of course, road safety”.
He continued, “we would urge those who have adopted slower and smoother driving habits to maintain these habits, regardless of fuel prices. This way, motorists will not only save money on fuel and travel greener, but also potentially save lives”.
It remains to be seen how long-lasting the new habits will be. After all, fuel prices will need to stabilise, and fall, sooner or later. It’ll be interesting to see whether drivers to revert to their old errors.
London’s Road Deaths Were At A Record Low In 2021 – https://autoservefleet.co.uk/latest-news/london-s-road-deaths-were-at-a-record-low-in-2021/
UK Car Manufacturers Face Extra £90 Million Energy Bill – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/uk-car-manufacturers-face-extra-90-million-energy-bill/