- Almost one in five (19%) Britons admit to using their phone while driving1
- Nearly one in seven (15%) admit to smoking or vaping while driving
- One in six (16%) has worn flip-flops or sandals and one in 10 (10%) has driven barefoot.
- 8% let their pet stick their head out of the car
- Mistakes, however innocent, can result in people facing a fine.
With the summer holidays just around the corner, new research from Aviva reveals the dangerous mistakes some drivers make behind the wheel.
The study, which involved 2,003 Britons, reveals that many drivers may not be using both hands when driving, with one in five (19%) using their mobile phone while stationary. This is despite restrictions on mobile phone use while driving that were first introduced in 2003.
The research also shows that three-quarters of drivers (78%) admit to having eaten something or drunk something (non-alcoholic) while driving. Similarly, one in seven (15%) admit to smoking or vaping while driving.
10 driving habits revealed that could affect summer driving:
- He wore sunglasses (49%)
- Ate something (44%)
- Had a drink, non-alcoholic (34%)
- I honked my horn out of anger (32%)
- He was wearing a hat (24%)
- I used my phone while standing (19%)
- Worn out flip flops or flip-flops (16%)
- Driving while smoking or vaping (15%)
- Driven barefoot (10%)
- I took some medication just before and didn’t check for side effects, for example antihistamines (8%) and letting my pet stick his head out of the car (8%).
It seems that clothing while driving may also be a cause for concern, with one in eight (16%) wearing flip-flops or sandals and one in 10 (10%) driving barefoot.
Other driving habits include letting the pet stick its head out of the car (8%), deliberately speeding because it was hot and you wanted to get somewhere faster (7%) and using a hand-held or battery-powered fan while driving (4%).
Aviva’s research also suggests that driving errors may be due to a lack of knowledge of road rules. For example, more than a third of respondents (36%) did not know that it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving a motor vehicle.2 – even when the vehicle is stationary. Similarly, two-thirds of people (69%) do not believe that smoking or vaping while driving is against the Highway Code, but the action can contravene the rules if someone is distracted by smoking or vaping while behind the wheel.
This means that drivers could accidentally expose themselves to heavy fines, points on their licence and, in the worst case, criminal prosecution.
As many summer holidays begin, our research shows that a large proportion of drivers are taking dangerous risks behind the wheel of a car.
Martin Smith, Aviva’s motor claims manager, commented: “With many people about to start their summer holidays, our research shows that a large proportion of drivers are taking dangerous risks behind the wheel of a car. Not only does this increase the chance of a collision, but it also means you could receive a fine or points on your licence, which can affect how much you pay for car insurance in the future.
“As tempting as it may be, it is important for drivers to eliminate any potential distractions in their vehicle and ensure they are dressed appropriately for driving, including footwear. Changing some of your driving habits only takes a few minutes and can prevent an incident from occurring.”
-End-
References:
1. The research was conducted by Censuswide with 2,003 national representatives of general consumers (aged 18+) between 6-12 March 2024. Censuswide is governed by and employs members of the Market Research Society, and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
*Dangerous mistakes made while driving: wearing sunglasses, eating something, having a drink (non-alcoholic), honking my horn in anger, wearing a hat, using my phone while stopped e.g. in a traffic jam or at a traffic light, wearing flip-flops or sandals, driving while smoking or vaping, driving barefoot, taking medication just before and not checking if it had side effects e.g. antihistamines, letting my pet stick its head out of the car, deliberately speeding up because I was hot and wanted to get somewhere faster, using a handheld or battery-operated fan.
2. Dangerous driving habits and those that are contrary to the Highway Code:
| Driving Habit |
Is this against the Highway Code? |
|
Worn sunglasses |
It depends – Road glare, especially during rainy periods, can be a risk when driving and lead to accidents. Wearing sunglasses can help prevent this, but not all sunglasses are suitable for driving and should not be worn at night or when visibility is poor. In the event of a collision where the use of unsuitable glasses is deemed to be a contributing factor, you could be prosecuted and as a result, you will not be able to claim from your insurance. |
|
I ate something/ had a drink (non-alcoholic) |
It depends – Although there is no law prohibiting eating or drinking (not alcohol) while driving, if you were to have an accident you could be prosecuted for reckless driving if it is proven that you were not in proper control of the vehicle. Rule 160 of the Highway Code states that drivers must drive with both hands on the wheel whenever possible. |
|
I honked my horn out of anger |
Yeah – According to the Highway Code, ‘the horn should only be used to warn someone of any danger due to another vehicle or any other type of danger, and not to indicate your anger’, so honking in anger would be considered a violation of the Highway Code. |
|
He was wearing a hat |
It depends – It is not illegal to wear a hat while driving, but it can be against the Highway Code if it prevents you from “using the controls in the correct manner” (Rule 97). If it is found to affect vision, drivers can face a fine of up to £1,000, as well as loss of points on their licence. |
|
I used a cell phone while standing |
Yeah – It is illegal to carry and use a phone, sat nav, tablet or any portable device that can send or receive data whilst driving or riding a motorcycle. Doing so could result in a fine, points removed from your licence or, in the worst case, a driving ban. |
|
Worn out flip flops or sandals/barefoot riding |
It depends – It is not illegal to wear flip-flops or sandals, or to drive barefoot, but it could be considered contrary to the Highway Code if it prevented the driver from “using the controls in the correct manner” (Rule 97). Drivers could face a £100 fine and points on their licence, which at worst can increase to a £5,000 fine or a driving ban. |
|
Driving while smoking or vaping |
It depends – If you are found to have been distracted by smoking or vaping and then caused an accident, you could be prosecuted for careless driving due to not having proper control of the vehicle. This could result in a fine of up to £2,500. Rule 160 of the Highway Code also states that drivers must drive with both hands on the wheel where possible. |
|
You took some medication just before and did not check for side effects, for example, antihistamines. |
It depends – Under the law, “in England, Scotland and Wales it is illegal to drive with legal drugs in your system if they affect your ability to drive,” so drivers must check whether their medication has any side effects before driving. The penalties for drug-impaired driving are severe and can even lead to a criminal record. |
|
I let my pet stick his head out of the car |
Yeah – According to rule 57, drivers must ensure that Dogs and other animals must be properly restrained so that they are not distracted or injured while driving and during sudden braking. According to the regulations, “seat belts, pet carriers, dog cages or dog guards are forms of restraint for animals in cars.” |
|
I deliberately accelerated because I was hot and wanted to get somewhere faster. |
Yeah – The minimum fine for speeding is £100 and three penalty points added to your licence. Only police, fire and ambulance services are allowed to exceed speed limits if responding to an emergency. |
|
I used a handheld or battery-powered fan. |
Yeah – Rule 160 of the Highway Code states that drivers must drive with both hands on the wheel whenever possible. Failure to do so can result in a fine, points on their licence or even a driving ban. |
