GEM survey reveals startling results

June 9, 2016

Results of a survey conducted by GEM Motoring Assist confirm we’re a nation guilty of double standards when it comes to the offences we commit and the penalties we expect.

GEM-survey

The road safety and breakdown organisation’s survey of more than 3,000 of its members on the subject of distractions, offences and penalties showed that 11.4 per cent are prepared to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, while 63 per cent admit to snacking behind the wheel.

Not only do thousands own up to breaking the law, they also admit to becoming dangerously distracted while driving, with 41.8 per cent admitting they tolerate more distractions at the wheel than they did 10 years ago.

And yet a staggering 75.8 per cent of motorists want to see more traffic police clamping down on law-breaking drivers.

GEM chief executive David Williams MBE said: “The survey reveals the double standards at the heart of motoring in this country, and the enormous challenge the authorities face to promote behaviour change.

“On one hand, we are demanding tougher action against law-breaking motorists, but on the other hand millions of us are quite happy to admit to bad driving.

“In recent decades we have made considerable progress in persuading people not to drink and drive. Achieving a nationwide commitment to reducing driver distractions is a huge challenge, especially when you consider that 16 per cent of our respondents accept a level of driver distraction because it has so far not been a problem for them.

“As one of our respondents commented, manufacturers increasingly afford drivers the opportunity to communicate from their vehicles. The temptation to take advantage of this is too high for most normal people and punishing them is not going to provide the solution.”

The survey shows that opinion is split on the value of enforcement cameras, with 34.9 per cent of respondents calling for more cameras, 39.4 per cent happy with existing levels of automated enforcement and 25.7 per cent wanting fewer.

Following regular reports about drivers still permitted to keep their licences despite accumulating 12 or more penalty points, 66.4 per cent of respondents wanting courts to show a tougher, more consistent line in their sentencing of ‘totters’.

The Government does get a pat on the back for having speed penalties at the right levels, and with its plans to tighten mobile phone law for drivers.

GEM has a particular concern for the safety of vulnerable road users, and believes that a greater road policing presence provides an effective deterrent for drivers who would otherwise be prepared to take risks around pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, motorcyclists and other road users who need extra protection.

David Williams added: “Although it’s good to see that 62.6 per cent of our respondents are more geared to safety on journeys than they were a decade ago, it’s worrying that only 20.3 per cent say this is because they fear getting a ticket and a fine.

“We believe the Government priority should be to seek out a raft of new, compelling messages that will persuade drivers to banish distractions. At the same time, we call for a much-needed boost in traffic police numbers to deal with the riskiest drivers on our roads.” 

 

Latest News

Renault 5

Get priority access to the new Renault 5

The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is available to order for R-Pass customers, giving
[...]
Hyundai Inster Cross

Inster Cross has an adventurous side

Hyundai has announced pricing and specification for the Inster Cross, the all-new EV’s
[...]
WWCOTY Finalists 2025

WWCOTY announces its finalists for 2025

The Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) has announced the winners of
[...]
VW Tayron

Prices announced for VW’s new Tayron

The all-new Volkswagen Tayron goes on sale in the UK on January 9
[...]
Skoda Kamiq Design

Skoda adds Design trim to Kamiq range

Škoda is building on the success of its award-winning Kamiq range by adding
[...]
Kia Lille EVs

Kia celebrates 10 years of EV success

It’s incredible to think it’s been 10 years since Kia introduced its first
[...]
INEOS Grenadier

INEOS partners with mountain rescue

INEOS Automotive partnered with Scottish Mountain Rescue (SMR) to help the charity deliver
[...]
GWM Jolion

Prices revealed for BYD SEALION 7 model

BYD has announced the UK pricing for the SEALION 7 which will start
[...]
VW Tiguan Black Edition

New Black Editions added to VW line-up

Volkswagen has launched two Black Edition models that add to the eye-catching styling
[...]
GWM Jolion

Exciting times ahead for GWM UK brand

Big changes at GWM UK will take place early in 2025 with a
[...]
GEM winter weather warning

Plan ahead for winter weather driving

GEM Motoring Assist, a road safety and breakdown organisation, is urging drivers to
[...]
Suzuki e Vitara

Suzuki goes electric with the e Vitara

Suzuki has unveiled its first mass-production electric vehicle called the e Vitara, with
[...]
Toyota Corolla

Toyota’s 5,000,000th milestone in the UK

Toyota is celebrating the five millionth car to be built at its Burnaston
[...]
Skoda Karoq

Skoda Karoq gains a new Edition trim

Skoda is ramping up customer value once again with a comprehensive refresh of
[...]
Kia EV3 boot liner The Ocean Cleanup

Kia boot liner made from ocean plastic

Kia has developed the world’s first car accessory made from plastic extracted from
[...]
Nissan Ariya NISMO

Buckle up for the Nissan Ariya NISMO

It’s time to buckle up because from this Thursday, 17 October, customers can
[...]