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Too
Scared to Stop?
CONCERNS for personal safety on Britain's roads are so bad
that over 60% of North West drivers would not stop to help at an
accident if travelling by themselves
Research for car hire company carrentals.co.uk has highlighted
growing concern among motorists for personal safety on Britain's
roads, with just 38% of North West drivers willing to stop and help
at an accident if by themselves.
The research among nearly 1,000 drivers for the company's Road Sense
road safety campaign, looked at the actions that would be taken by
motorists if driving alone and if confronted with certain
situations, with the results highlighting a range of fears
particularly among female drivers.
With growing concerns over personal safety on Britain's roads the
research found that male drivers are now more than twice as likely
as women to stop to help at an accident if by themselves, with 65%
of men saying they would stop, compared to 28% of women.
Personal safety is also a key concern when faced with the issue of
picking up a hitch-hiker, with just 9% of North West drivers saying
they would stop if alone. Nationally 12% of men said they would stop
if by themselves, compared to just 0.5% of women, underlining the
perceived dangers now linked to this activity. Women are also
more security conscious with 43% saying they would check inside and
around the car before getting in, while 32% of men check around
their vehicle when alone.
When driving by themselves 57% of North West drivers said they would
keep their doors locked and windows rolled up. Preparation before
setting off on a journey is also highlighted as increasingly
important, with 86% of all North West drivers stating they would
ensure their mobile phone was charged, and 80% planning their route
and checking the map before departure.
When asked about what action would be taken when faced with Road
Bullying, women are most likely to stop at the first garage/service
station if threatened on the road, followed by phoning the police.
In third place was taking a different route to get away from the
other driver, followed by calling a friend/family member. Of most
concern is that 18% would speed up to try to get away from the
situation, while 1.5% would stop to confront the other driver.
Male lone drivers are most likely to call the police if threatened
on the roads, followed by stopping at the first garage/service
station, and then taking another route to get away from the driver.
However over 7% of men would stop to confront the other driver -
more than the number who would call a friend/family member - and 22%
would choose to speed up to get away from the situation.
Andrew Stevens, managing director of carrentals.co.uk, said:-
"The results of this research highlight the fear that now exists on
our roads. We are very pleased to see that so many drivers, both men
and women, are aware of security issues, however it also highlights
how bad our roads have become when drivers are afraid to stop and
help at an accident if driving alone. We have all heard
reports of bullying on our roads, but more advice does need to be
provided on this issue. The fact that nearly 10% of men would stop
to confront another driver who has been threatening them on the road
is worrying, as this would never be recommended. Our Road Sense
campaign is designed to build awareness and offer advice on issues
such as this, and we hope that by highlighting the concerns of
drivers more will start to be done to address the issue."
The research is part of carrentals.co.uk Road Sense 2006 campaign,
designed to build awareness for safety and security on the roads.
Visit:-
www.carrentals.co.uk/roadsense
for more information and to take advantage of a range of offers for
female drivers, together with a series of downloadable advice tips. |
Letter to editor:- "A subject matter I find disgusting. Dog
Remains."
"I have sent in
these photo's of a subject matter I find disgusting. I feel
publicity should be given to this matter as I feel that this kind of
disposal of an animal is totally unexceptable in this day and age,
particularly with recent exposures in other publications on animal
cruelty. I would appreciate support in bringing this matter to
public attention." Clair Mills from Merseyside.
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