British motorists struggling to read the signs
22nd May 2009
- Two thirds of motorists don’t recognise a zebra crossing sign
- Four in ten motorists want to see more speed limit signs on Britain’s roads
Research revealed today by Direct Line and Brake – the national road safety charity – has found an alarming number of drivers do not know the meaning of common road signs.*
Many of the signs motorists don’t recognise are critical to ensuring safety on our roads. Two thirds (67 per cent) of motorists were unable to identify a zebra crossing sign while almost half (45 per cent) were stumped by the ‘no motor vehicles’ warning. Almost one in six drivers don’t know a ‘national speed limit’ sign when they see one which suggests many motorists do not know how fast they should be going.
Only 12 per cent of motorists surveyed knew the meaning of all eight signs they were shown.
Given these results, it is unsurprising that 40 per cent of motorists want to see more speed signs on British roads to help them stay within the limit.
Head of Car Insurance at Direct Line, Maggie Game, comments; “Road signs play a central role in mitigating many of the risks on our roads. If motorists don’t understand what a sign is trying to communicate, the risks increase significantly. With this study finding two-thirds of motorists don’t recognise a ‘zebra crossing’ sign, it is easy to see why there were 773 people killed or injured on zebra crossings in 2007.”**
Spokesperson for Brake, Katie Shephard, comments: “Many drivers don’t re-read the Highway Code after passing their test. This means that a 55 year old who passed their test at 17, has been driving a shocking 38 years without refreshing their knowledge about the rules of the road. This is leading to a dangerous lack of knowledge in drivers. Driving is one of the most hazardous things that people do on a daily basis and Brake urges all drivers to refresh their knowledge of the Highway Code to help keep themselves and others safe.”
Percentage of motorists who incorrectly identified road signs
| Zebra Crossing | 67 per cent |
| No Motor Vehicles | 45 per cent |
| Minimum Speed Limit | 30 per cent |
| Bus Lane ahead which bikes and taxis may use | 28 per cent |
| National Speed Limit applies | 15 per cent |
For further details on Direct Line’s car insurance visit the car insurance section of our website.
Notes to Editors:
* Opinium Research carried out an online poll of 2,050 British adults between 17th and 19th February 2009. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.
** Department for Transport: Road Casualties Great Britain: 2007 Annual Report Pg.142. http://www.dft.gov.uk/adobepdf/162469/221412/221549/227755/rcgb2007.pdf
For further information please contact:
Jake Hatton
Direct Line
Direct: 020 8313 5741
Mobile: 07920 467 860
Email: jake.hatton@rbs.co.uk
Direct Line
Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides car, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.
Direct Line is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com
Direct Line Insurance plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1AG. Registered in England and Wales no. 01810801. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed through http://www.fsa.gov.uk
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