The biggest frustrations faced by motorists is traffic, according to a new survey of drivers.
A survey of 2,000 UK drivers by Vauxhall has found that stop-start traffic is the most significant source of irritation. A massive 34% of people said it was their biggest frustration about driving.
This was followed by delays caused by roadworks with 27%. Coming in third place is middle lane hoggers, and drivers that stay in the outside lanes of the motorways (18%).
Despite "middle lane hogging" being a major frustration, a massive 91% of respondents were confident in their understanding of lane discipline and overtaking rules on motorways.
We guess that goes to prove that it really is everyone else who is a bad driver...
The UK Highway Code clearly states, in Rule 264, that drivers should consistently use the left-hand lane, reserving the middle and right-hand lanes solely for overtaking. Unnecessary occupation of the middle lane is classified as careless driving and can lead to fines and penalty points.
Amazingly, the survey didn't mention speeding - a particular frustration amongst van drivers who are faced with different speed limits to passenger cars.
What are the speed limits for vans?
However, the survey revealed a disconnect between understanding and behaviour. Almost one in five drivers (19%) admitted to driving in the middle lane even when there is little to no traffic, and 10% reported doing so "whenever possible."
Of these drivers, only a quarter (26%) acknowledged receiving penalties for this behaviour.
The frustration caused by lane-hogging is evident in the actions of other drivers. Over half (55%) of all respondents admitted to undertaking vehicles driving slowly in the middle or outside lane, a figure that rises to 62% among male drivers.
Furthermore, 53% of all drivers reported having to brake sharply or quickly change lanes to avoid drivers travelling slowly in the overtaking lanes.
Eurig Druce, MD of Vauxhall, said: “At Vauxhall, we recognise the everyday frustrations that British drivers and motorists face, from congestion and roadworks to the irritation of lane-hogging on motorways. That’s why we’ve equipped the Grandland with our most advanced Intelli-Drive 2.0 technology, designed to make driving safer and smoother. Features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go help manage stop-start traffic, while Semi-Automated Lane Change and Lane Change Assist help drivers and other motorists move safely and efficiently on motorways. With advanced technology, and a focus on affordability, we’re committed to making driving as safe and pleasurable as possible for British van drivers and the wider motoring public.”
