Report on motoring 2005 - introduction

Foreword by Andrew Harrison, Chief Executive, RAC plc

On behalf of RAC plc, I am delighted to introduce the 2005 RAC Report on Motoring, the 17th of our annual series of reports into the condition of Britain's roads and the perceptions of those who use them.

Our investigation into the agony and ecstasy of driving shows that the days of an enjoyable Sunday afternoon drive or a jam-free motorway journey from A to B are long gone. The average motorist now experiences congestion, road rage, close shaves and accidents with alarming regularity. But gladly, some motorists still report a heartening level of enjoyment from owning and driving their cars; quite a large number do seem to consider their car as their pride and joy, believing that the model they choose says something about them or that they value their car in the same way they might a close friend. For these motorists, the car they buy is far more than a commodity; it is something to be cherished, enjoyed and admired.

This said, much of the Report investigates the road environment and how the behaviour of Britain's 28 million motorists can make our roads a frustrating and sometimes dangerous place. Of course, many of the problems that we suffer are little more than irritating. Others, such as drivers speeding over the limit or drink driving are far more alarming and dangerous. It is these behaviours that our Report seeks to focus on.

It's clear that the Government's current transport strategy is also focused on improving road safety; November 2004's Road Safety Bill made clear the Department for Transport's commitment to tackling the major factors that cause accidents. This is important because despite the UK's good safety record when compared to our international counterparts there are still 10 people dying and many more who are seriously injured every day on the roads.

The sheer scale of death and serious injury is sobering, particularly when one considers that many of the accidents that occur are linked to dangerous or careless behaviour. Whether it's speeding, drink driving or driving whilst using a hand-held mobile phone, our research shows a significant proportion of motorists admitting with candour to behaviour which is both illegal and dangerous to themselves and others.

To understand how to tackle this complex web of behaviours, we need to understand that there is no such thing as 'the British motorist'. With 28 million people regularly driving on our roads we cannot expect the same behaviour from each of them. Our Report identifies seven strands of motoring 'DNA' which all motorists exhibit to some degree. From this, we have focused on six major driver typologies, some of which prove to be more dangerous and challenging than others when it comes to how they drive.

Our Report focuses on the behaviour of the most dangerous typologies by testing which mix of penalty, enforcement and educational campaigns might result in positive improvements to driving standards and so provide a context for continuing policy debate. My hope is that this Report will contribute to future thinking around this complex and contentious topic, in an effort to make our driving experiences more enjoyable in years to come.