Everybody has an opinion about other people’s driving. Many aggrieved motorists will make their feelings known by way of demonstrative hand gestures not normally associated with the Highway Code. Every person who drives a private car or commercial vehicle likes to believe that they are good at driving. It seems highly unlikely that, when asked about their driving standards, an individual would cheerfully raise their hand and admit to being like a lethal weapon behind the wheel.

DVSA

Although these days most motorists believe that the authorities are against them, in fact the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency was established to improve road safety in Great Britain by setting standards for driving and motorcycling and for making sure drivers, vehicle operators and garages follow roadworthiness standards. Surprisingly perhaps, in one survey motorcyclists came out on top as the best of the best. This is largely because, being vulnerable, they are thus more aware. In short, when it comes to driving standards, we bring problems upon ourselves.

It would be interesting to learn how many of us even look at the Highway Code after a successful driving test. Rules change but our own driving habits fail to change with them. This might be a timely reminder to bone up on the latest regulations even if it’s about as exciting a read as old school reports. The statistics available for all to see can be found here and show quite clearly that although accidents have been reduced – in 2016 Britain’s road deaths dropped to 1827, a record low – issues surrounding the public standard of driving remains a problem that can in part be placed at the door of in-car lifestyle technology.

The focus is thus on distracted driving. There is a law against using a mobile device whilst driving yet many drivers choose to ignore this or, somehow, are unaware of the law. This despite the introduction of dashboard-mounted cameras which have revealed to us all just what an accident is like. We see some horrendous videos yet don’t seem to learn.

Young Drivers

Regrettably, among private motorists, younger drivers in the 26-35 year age group still top the charts of the bad driving league being responsible for 23% of all accidents. As drivers age, the percentage drops right through to elderly drivers over 75, who, if statistics are to be believed, account for only 3% of accidents. Obviously, there are many less old drivers on the road which slightly skews the figures but the fact remains that everything points to the fact that with age comes experience.

We Are All Road Users

Britain’s roads have never been busier and it is largely thanks to technological automotive safety advances that the number of fatalities and serious injuries has reduced. The official statistics highlighted above show quite clearly that the reduction in accidents is across the board. Road haulage is a major industry and most private motorists seem happy to share the roads with vans and trucks these days, knowing that driving standards have improved thanks also to driver assistance telematics and safety technology.

Want to know more about how we help fleets stay protected out on the road, or if you would like a demo of any of our solutions, feel free to contact our sales team directly on sales@exeros-tech.com and
+44 (0) 800 368 8175.