Driving over speed limit, beating amber lights top dangerous driving habits

By Zhang Tingjun, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 09 June 2009 1836 hrs

Traffic in Singapore (file pic)

SINGAPORE: A nationwide road safety survey has revealed that Singapore drivers are less inclined to signal when switching lanes or overtaking, but are more careful when it comes to drinking and driving than European motorists.

The month-long survey by AXA Insurance was conducted with more than 500 Singapore drivers, made up of private car owners and taxi drivers.

The survey showed that 60 per cent admitted to committing at least one dangerous driving practice. Driving at more than 10 kilometres per hour over the speed limit and beating an amber light topped the list.

Drivers were more prudent, however, when it came to drink driving, with 24 per cent saying they do not drink at all before taking the wheel.

When asked what would deter them from dangerous driving practices, the top three reasons cited pertained to law enforcement. Personal safety came in fourth, and the safety of others fifth.

Another notable finding was that the only dangerous driving behaviour that women are more likely to engage in than men is answering the phone without a hands-free kit or text messaging while driving.

Drivers who were married with young children were also found to be more likely to engage in unsafe driving practices compared to those married with older children.

Younger motorists between 18 and 34 years of age were also found to be less likely to perceive a breach of safety rules as dangerous driving compared to motorists aged 35 and above.

According to AXA, the most surprising finding, however, was that over 75% of those surveyed gave the wrong answer to the question "What is the speed limit on normal roads?"

Some did not know, whereas others guessed 60, 50 or 30 kilometres per hour. The correct answer is 50 kilometres per hour.

AXA said that going over the speed limit is not only dangerous, it can also be costly when it comes to filing claims.

Henri Gurs, CEO, AXA Insurance Singapore, said: "Between an accident at 50 km/h or an accident at 70 km/h, the damages will be more than doubled."

According to AXA, accident claims have risen from 13 to 16 per cent over the past four years. - CNA/ms

From ChannelNewsAsia.com; see the source article here.

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