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.”
^ 10% of new customers paid £166 or less for RAC Online Car Insurance from rac.co.uk between 01/07/25 to the 30/06/26. Annual base premium: excludes optional extras and finance.
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.”
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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.
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