Almost a million British motorists suffer from ‘Rusty Driver Syndrome’ and forget rules of the road
By: Churchill

Almost a million1 British motorists are suffering from ‘rusty driver’ syndrome, claiming they have either forgotten how to drive or are lacking solid driving skills.

Motorists who fail to get behind the wheel on a regular basis and suffer rusty driver syndrome as a result, could be putting other motorists at risk.

Research2 from Churchill Car Insurance reveals two fifths (42 %) of motorists who drive on an infrequent basis admit the standard or quality of their driving is affected whenever they next hit the road.

The figures also reveal that since passing their driving test, one in ten motorists (11 %) have left a gap of two years or more before getting back in the driving seat - giving them ample time to forget the rules of the road and exactly how they should keep a vehicle in check.

Frances Browning, spokesperson for Churchill Car Insurance says: “Motorists getting back behind the wheel after a break from driving can find it daunting. Drivers need to be able to handle a range of different road and traffic situations, which only regular practice can help with.”

The research reveals that confidence boosting is needed for many drivers, with nearly half (47%) of motorists admitting they don’t enjoy driving on busy roads in cities and a further 57% saying they would prefer to steer clear of driving in cities altogether, but view it as a necessity.

Churchill offers discounts to its car insurance policyholders who take part in the Pass Plus training scheme. The scheme is specially designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to help drivers build on existing skills and knowledge, reduce risks of a road crash and boost confidence.

Browning concludes: “When motorists pass their driving tests, it doesn’t necessarily qualify them as a confident driver. For those who feel their driving skills have become ‘rusty’, it may be worth undertaking a refresher course now and again to increase driver confidence and make the roads safer for everyone.”

Notes to Editors:

For further information about Pass Plus visit www.passplus.org.uk

1. ‘Nearly a million’ is based on the following calculation:
GB Population of 44.2million (source: You Gov). 74% of those with a license = 32,708,000.
7% of those drive ‘a couple of times a month or less often’ = 2,289,560
27% of these (2,289,560) say their skills are ‘a bit rusty’ when driving (= 618,181,20), 6% say they have forgotten how to drive ( = 137,373.60) and 9% say they might feel the standard of their driving has slipped (206,060.40).
Therefore 618,181.20 + 137,373.60 + 206,060.40 = 961,615.20

2. Churchill Car Insurance research conducted by ICM between 2nd - 4th March 2007, based on a representative sample of 1,019 adults aged 18+ years. The data is weighted to be representative of the GB adult population.

For more information please contact:

Frances Browning
Churchill Insurance
020 8313 5965
pressoffice@churchill.com

Rachel O’Hare / Lisa Stanley
Lansons Communications
020 7294 3692 / 3625
rachelo@lansons.com / lisas@lansons.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

Find out more about Churchill Insurance and read the latest press releases by visiting Churchill’s online press office. Churchill is part of RBS Insurance and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. It offers car, home, pet and travel insurance. Customers can find out more about Churchill car insurance or get a quote by calling 0800 032 4828 or visiting www.churchill.com/

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