Sainsbury’s Bank advises extra caution for drivers

The car insurance division of Sainsbury’s Bank has recommended increased levels of caution among drivers in the UK, following research results showing that 76 per cent of motorists admit to potentially dangerous driving practices.

This equates to over 22 million motorists driving dangerously at some time while on the road, contributing to the estimated 198,980 accidents that took place in Britain in 2005.

Driving while tired was found to be the most common dangerous practice, as 38 per cent of drivers admit to having done this.

Some 31 per cent of respondents confessed to eating or drinking while at the wheel, while 26 per cent say that they are guilty of excessive speeding.

“Motorists should think carefully about their driving habits as many may not have considered the dangers,” said Robin Clark, car insurance manager at Sainsbury’s Bank.

“Driving after drinking just one alcoholic drink for example. The Department of Transport advises that just the one could be too much as it’s impossible to calculate your own alcohol limit.”

Some of the more unusual practices referred to by Sainsbury’s Bank, which some people may not be aware of as dangerous, included driving while having a pet loose in the car, which over two million people admitted to, and driving while wearing flip flops or no shoes.

The bank adds that its competitive premiums could save motorists up to £130 compared to other providers, as well as a five-year no claims discount of 70 per cent.