Esure, the car insurance provider, has conducted a study into the driving habits and attention span of drivers in the UK. The study, of 1003 motorists, showed that on average, drivers switch off and go into autopilot mode just 11 minutes into a long journey.
Boredom seems to be a problem for drivers during car journeys, with 22% saying they find themselves falling into autopilot easily, with 34% admitted to arriving at a destination with no memory of the journey they undertook to get there.
To combat autopilot mode 32 per cent of the drivers surveyed said that they changed the radio station or occasionally checked their phone in an attempt to keep their mind active when they were going on a long drive.
Some stated that talking to their passengers was another method they used to keep them alert but 16 per cent of male motorists admitted that listening to their passengers talk only made them switch off even more.
The survey also showed that, on average, motorists waste £47.25 a year in petrol due to driving additional miles whilst on autopilot.
Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure car insurance, said: “Advances in technology have revolutionised the way we keep our brains stimulated. We all love playing with our gadgets but as this study shows this can become problematic when we get behind the wheel.
“Even on a short journey it is important for all motorists to focus on the road ahead and not let technology withdrawal systems get the better of them whilst driving.”
MJP Motoring Solicitors
Mar, 01, 2012