61% of passengers admit being ‘on edge’ with family and friends’ speed
New research suggests 61% of car passengers feel uncomfortable with the speeds family and friends reach while driving.
Interestingly, almost a third (29%) wouldn’t ask their driver to slow down, suggesting many motorists are driving on unaware of their dangerous habits.
YouGov questioned 524 passengers who travel in a friend or family member’s car at least once a month, on behalf of Transport for London (TfL).
Stuart Reid, TfL's director of the Vision Zero campaign, said: “It seems that driving at an unsafe speed has now sadly become socially acceptable and many people simply don't think of it as a risk.”
He added: “I would urge drivers to slow down and also encourage people who feel uncomfortable with the speed they're being driven at to speak up.”
5 Star Defaqto rated cover
RAC Comprehensive Car Insurance Plus has been given a 5 Star Rating by Defaqto.
Get a quote online today.
A total of 103 people have died on London's roads already in 2019. TfL analysis shows that speed accounts for 37% of all deaths and serious injuries.
Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, in charge of the Met's Road and Transport Policing Command, said: “Excess speed is a usual factor in more than 30% of collisions.
“It takes seconds to remind a driver that they are exceeding the speed limit, and in return could save multiple lives.”
- Speeding fines – how much you now have to pay
- 20 mph speed limits are ignored by drivers unless paired with speed humps
- Drivers support wider use of average speed cameras on motorways
The RAC Report on Motoring 2019 found that 44% of drivers break 30 mph speed limits on a regular basis.
Nick Simmons, CEO Roadpeace, the national charity for road accident victims said: “RoadPeace would always urge passengers to speak up when they feel uncomfortable as a result of unacceptable driver behaviour and we strongly support this TfL campaign.”
Do you feel uncomfortable as a passenger for a friend or family member? Let us know how you broached the sticky subject to them in the comments below.
Copyright Press Association 2019. Motoring News articles do not reflect the RAC's views unless clearly stated.
RAC legal expenses cover for just £15
Legal Care Plus is the RAC’s motor legal expenses insurance policy that is there to provide the cover you’ll need if you’re involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault.
You might also like
Speed cameras – how they work
Speed cameras are used to record a vehicles speed to help enforce speed limits. Learn more about the different types, how they operate here!
Fixed Penalty Notices: all you need to know
Fixed penalty notices could be issued for a wide range of traffic and motoring offences, including speeding or failing to wear a seatbelt.
Penalty Charge Notices – what are they and can you appeal?
What are Penalty Charge Notices, why are they issued and how are they different from some of the other tickets you could receive? Here is our new guide.
Speed limits in the UK: know the laws
UK speed limits are generally 30mph in urban areas, 60mph on single-carriageways and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways, but there are exceptions.
Speeding fines: how much you have to pay?
Find out how much your speeding fines will cost, how many penalty points you might get, and whether or not you'll get a driving ban, using our helpful guide.
Popular in News
1
Car buyers to save thousands as EV grant returns
2
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
3
Drivers fined £1m from just 36 yellow box junctions in 2024
4
Road deaths on the rise in Great Britain
5
Private parking industry urged to publish ‘full and transparent’ complaints and appeals data
6
Drivers now able to search for new home that comes with EV chargers
7
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
8
Number of drivers caught using unroadworthy vehicles jumps by 52% in a year
9
Warning to drivers across the UK over fake parking apps
10