A large number of drivers are taking risks on the road, yet do not see themselves as a threat to other drivers, according to a new survey.
Through a combination of complacency and overconfidence, as many as 69% of drivers admitted to breaking traffic laws in the recent poll, which was undertaken by road safety charity Brake and insurance company Direct Line.
However, of the 1,000 people surveyed a huge 99% thought that they were driving safely. Just 1% acknowledged that they were taking risks but said that they drove recklessly anyway.
The poll also revealed that 33% admitted they did not pay enough attention while at the wheel and 5% thought that the roads were full of dangerous drivers. In contrast, only 1% said that they thought the roads were full of safe drivers.
Brake deputy chief executive Julie Townsend told of her concerns at the dangers posed by people thinking it’s acceptable to break traffic laws. She said: "It is deeply concerning so many drivers break vital traffic laws, yet still believe they are safe.
"Anyone who thinks they can handle speeding, using a phone at the wheel or drink-driving is fooling themselves and taking an appalling chance with people's lives.
"Traffic laws exist to protect people from death and injury, and staying within them is a fundamental responsibility for everyone who drives."
Rob Miles, head of the motor section at Direct Line, shared the views of Ms Townsend, commenting: "Drivers continue to flout the rules of the road without realising the devastating impact their actions can have.”
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