Cyclists make the best drivers, according to a recent study. That’s right! Our Lycra-clad friends are the best sort of driver, according to a recent survey.
A recent survey of crash data showed that cyclists make less than half the number of insurance claims as non-cyclists.
13% of the firm’s insured drivers make at least one claim per year, found Day, but this fell to 6% for cyclists who were insured on the firm’s cyclist-driver policy.
This analysis correlates with an earlier study which found that cyclist-drivers tend to have faster reaction times than non-cyclists. This makes sense because cyclists have to be quick on the mark when cycling on the road.
But, is it just cyclists, specifically?
Who are better drivers?
Women are better drivers than men. According to research, men are four time more likely to commit motoring offences than women. In total, more than 585,000 drivers in England and Wales were taken to court for breaking the law on the road in 2017, of which 79% were men.
Men were found to outnumber women five to one when it came to drink-driving offences, and two to one for driving without tax or insurance. This is why women pay around £92 less than men, on average.
What makes a good driver?
Good drivers obey the speed limit, focus on the road and remain alert throughout their entire journey. Good drivers don’t just understand the rules of the road, they follow that unspoken social contract that keeps the traffic flowing and keeps the road safe for other road users.
Good drivers know the speed limit
Now that we live in a world of smart motorways, knowing the speed limit isn’t the blatantly obvious statement it might seem. Also, there aren’t always signs. Remember, if you see lamp posts located closely together, assume the limit is 30mph. Driving at the speed limit doesn’t just protect the driver, it protects other road users. That’s why good drivers know (and stick to) the limit.
Good drivers focus on the road
There’s been a lot of digital ink spilled on the hazards of all these new devices distracting us as we drive. Call it fear mongering if you must, but one thing is for sure: good drivers focus on the road. The best drivers avoid fiddling with stereos or satnavs, or allowing their minds to wander. They keep their focus firmly on the road, and they’re all the safer for it.
They stay focused
Even for long drives, good drivers stay focused on the road. If they need to make a call, they pull over. If they want to change the radio station, they wait until it’s safe to do so. They also take regular breaks.
Driver fatigue is a major factor in road accidents, causing as many as 3,000 a year in the UK alone. Fatigue eats away at your focus and mental agility like drinking alcohol does. That’s why good drivers don’t drive tired any more than they drive drunk.
They are not overly confident
Few people believe they are bad drivers, but thousands of us still have accidents each year. Driver error is a factor in almost three-quarters of all crashes. Complacency is obviously an issue here.
Drivers who feel they’ve got it sorted behind the wheel are much more likely to make mistakes than those who are ever-vigilant for danger. Good drivers are wary of the road and treat driving with the respect it deserves.