Industry News from Yes Insurance

Almost nine out of ten drivers admit that they forget certain parts of their journey into work as the lapse in their concentration makes them 'zone out' while driving.

A recent survey carried out by management firm Masterlease revealed that 89 per cent admitted to 'zoning out' and motoring experts are now worried that the lack of concentration could lead to more accidents on the road and an increase in car insurance premiums.

Masterlease believes that it can account for up to 40 per cent of road accidents each year. The survey also revealed that 60 per cent of those who 'zoned out' said they are normally thinking about work when it happens.

A further 22 per cent said that their partner or family was dominating their thoughts as junctions, roundabouts and traffic lights passed them by.

Women are considered to be more prone to it than men, accounting for 64 per cent of those who admitted 'zoning out'.

Gavin Jones, risk management specialist at Masterlease, told Fleet News: "It seems most people have experienced it – that feeling when you suddenly realise you can't remember the previous five minutes of your journey.

"They say that variety is the spice of life and it seems that driving the same route day-in, day out plays a huge part in making people's thoughts drift away from the road."

This claim was supported by the fact that 84 per cent of the respondents said they had never experienced their concentration drifting while driving a new route.

Tips to overcome the so-called driver amnesia include varying the route to work, keeping the temperature of the car cool, even in cold weather, trying different radio stations to the one you are used to and visualising the journey ahead to help to second guess possible dangers.

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