Industry News from Yes Insurance
23 June 2006 4x4 drivers labelled unsafe
Drivers of 4x4 vehicles are more likely to drive in an unsafe manner and flout certain driving rules, according to the latest research.
Owners of four wheel drive vehicles are more likely than other motorists to use mobile phones and not wear seatbelts while driving.
A report, written by BMJ Online First, found over 15 per cent of drivers do not wear seatbelts, while 2.5 per cent break the law by using a hand held mobile phone while behind the wheel.
The research was carried out in three different sites in Hammersmith, west London, with drivers observed from Monday to Friday.
"Our data shows a worryingly high level of non-compliance with laws on seat belts and hand held mobile phones by drivers in London, and almost no effect of the end of the grace period on the use of a mobile phone while driving," write the authors. "Our observation that almost one in six drivers was not wearing a seatbelt is a major public health concern."
The findings are said to support a theory which claims drivers of 4x4 vehicles feel safer and so take more risks.
BMJ warns that although they may feel safe, 4x4 drivers who flout the laws are putting other motorists and pedestrians at risk.
© Adfero Ltd
Owners of four wheel drive vehicles are more likely than other motorists to use mobile phones and not wear seatbelts while driving.
A report, written by BMJ Online First, found over 15 per cent of drivers do not wear seatbelts, while 2.5 per cent break the law by using a hand held mobile phone while behind the wheel.
The research was carried out in three different sites in Hammersmith, west London, with drivers observed from Monday to Friday.
"Our data shows a worryingly high level of non-compliance with laws on seat belts and hand held mobile phones by drivers in London, and almost no effect of the end of the grace period on the use of a mobile phone while driving," write the authors. "Our observation that almost one in six drivers was not wearing a seatbelt is a major public health concern."
The findings are said to support a theory which claims drivers of 4x4 vehicles feel safer and so take more risks.
BMJ warns that although they may feel safe, 4x4 drivers who flout the laws are putting other motorists and pedestrians at risk.
© Adfero Ltd
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