Research reveals serious gaps in drivers knowledge of stopping distances

Research released at the start of Road Safety Week (September 22 -- 28) by sponsor Green Flag Motoring Assistance reveals that nearly two thirds of British motorists did not know the recommended stopping distance at 30mph.

In a survey of some 2,000 drivers, just over a third (PRWEB) September 25, 2003

Of those who got the question wrong, just over a third (36 per cent) thought the minimum distance was more than 23 meters. More worryingly, one-in-four thought that 12 metres (three car lengths) was enough distance to stop suddenly and safely. The findings suggest that many motorists could be placing themselves and other road users at risk of pile-ups and accidents.

Across the age groups it was younger drivers who proved more accurate in their answers. Two-in-five 18- to 24-year-olds surveyed came up with the right answer, although among those aged 45- to 54-years, less than a third gave the right answer.

Commenting on the findings, Green Flag spokesperson Nigel Charlesworth said: The results reveal a potentially dangerous gap in the knowledge of many motorists. Each year, we respond to thousands of calls for assistance from people whose cars have been immobilised by minor accidents. The results suggest some of these could be avoided."

It is however encouraging to see that younger motorists are more aware of appropriate stopping distances, possibly due to more stringent driving tests," he added.

Brake is a registered charity that campaigns to reduce death on Britains roads and provides practical help and support for people who are trying to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. This year its Road Safety Week campaign focuses on child pedestrian safety.

To find out how you can become involved in Road Safety Week 2003, or to make a donation towards the continuing work of Brake, visit their Green Flag-sponsored website at www.brake.org.uk.

Ends

Notes to editors
·   Green Flag Motoring Assistance provides roadside rescue and recovery to almost 5m customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
·   Green Flags incident management centre in Leeds handles around 1m calls each year.
·   According to police* you must always be able to stop your vehicle within the distance you can see to be clear, irrespective of the speed limit. That means that if the car in front is able to brake to a halt, then so should you. If you run into the back of it, you were either driving too fast and close, or not concentrating.

Speed (mph)   Braking distances   
20   12m (3 car lengths)   
30   23m (6 car lengths)   
40   36m (9 car lengths)   
60   73m (18 car lengths)   
70   96m (24 car lengths)   

*Stopping distance for a car with well-maintained brakes.
**www.southyorks.police.uk

Press Calls
For further information, contact Nigel Charlesworth or Melanie Denny at Green Flag on 0113 399 1427/1387 (out of hours 07711 964 615).

Public-relations@greenflag.com            www.greenflag.com