QUINN-direct Nationwide Survey

One in three people admit to being a passenger in a car while the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, QUINN-direct nationwide survey finds

A nationwide survey of 1000 adults commissioned by QUINN-direct Car Insurance Ireland has revealed that over a third (36%) of Irish people has been a passenger in a car where the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Males, those aged 45+ and living in Connaught or Ulster are most likely to be the offenders. People aged 35-44 and living in Dublin were least likely to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

The survey found that one in five people admit to having driven a car while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Once again, this figure is significantly higher amongst men (28%) and those over the age of 45 (26%). Women (10%) and people aged 16-24 (7%) were least likely to have driven under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Munster people were more likely than those in any other province to have driven while under the influence (21%).

Almost three quarters of the Irish population have experienced anger or rage while driving
The research, which tested Irish people’s attitudes to driving and their driving habits, highlighted that the majority of Irish drivers (71%) experienced anger or rage whilst driving. A large percentage of men (78%) say they have experienced rage or anger behind the wheel and a significant percentage of women felt the same (64%). Incidences of rage are highest amongst those aged 24-44 but affected people around the country irrespective of location.

Over a half of Irish adults continue to use their mobile phone whilst driving
Over half (52%) of Irish adults said they used their mobile phone while driving to make or receive calls (without the use of a headset/bluetooth). Females were slightly more likely (34%) than men (32%) to use their phone while driving and those in the 35-44 age group were most likely to be the offenders (64%).

Two thirds of Irish drivers have broken the speed limit in the last 12 months
Two thirds of Irish drivers admit to having broken the speed limit in the last 12 months (66%). 75% of men and 66% of females admitted they had broken the speed limit – 73% of those in Munster compared to 64% in Connacht and Ulster, and 65% in Dublin. Those aged between 35 and 44 were most likely to have broken the speed limit.

QUINN-direct has created a series of road safety tips, for further information specifically regarding road safety, please visit; www.rsa.ie. Following these tips will ensure our roads are safer as well as instigate other benefits such as lowering car insurance rates.

1. Don’t use your mobile phone whilst driving
Making or receiving a call, even using a hands-free phone, could lead to an accident.
2. Belt up in the back
In a collision, an unbelted rear seat passenger can kill or seriously injure the driver or a front seat passenger.
3. Alcohol, drugs and driving
Alcohol and both illegal and prescription drugs (including cold remedies) can impair your driving. It is never ok to drive when you have taken drugs. Be a safe driver and don’t drink and drive.
4. Slow down
Take extra care outside schools and parks and other places where there may be more pedestrians around. Don’t forget children often act impulsively and many will be “trick or treating” this Halloween.
5. Take a break
Tiredness is thought to be a major factor in more than 10% of road accidents. Plan to stop for at least a 15 minute break every 2 hours on a long journey this bank holiday.
6. Anticipate
Observe and anticipate other road users. Use your mirrors regularly and don’t forget to glance into your blind area before altering your course.
7. Use child seats
Child and baby seats should be fitted properly and checked every trip.
8. Keep your distance
Always keep a safe distance from the car in front.
9. Check your tyres
With the weather changing, it is important to ensure that your tyres are roadworthy for winter.

Contact Information

Joanna Petty

PR

Quinn Direct

Contact via E-mail