24th May 2005
Litter louts and filthy cars are wreaking havoc on UK roads according to new research by Direct Line car insurance.
More than one million (1) road accidents and near misses are caused by rubbish thrown from moving cars, with litterbugs dangerously distracting more than a third (37 per cent) of all UK drivers.
More than a quarter (26 per cent) of motorists have had litter thrown from another car hit their windscreen causing a serious distraction, yet more than a third (34 per cent) of road-users continue to fling litter with more than one in 10 (13 per cent) doing so on a regular basis.
This rubbish road use has driven six per cent of motorists to experience moments of uncontrollable road rage as a result of loutish litterbug behaviour.
The most common items to be flung from a car window are fruit remains (19 per cent), cigarette butts (13 per cent) and chewing gum (seven per cent).
Direct Line's Motor spokeswoman, Emma Holyer, said:
"Littering is a filthy habit. Not only is it dangerously distracting if it happens while on the roads, it is also illegal. Litterbugs stand to score a £50 fine if caught throwing rubbish from a car window.
"Drivers already have enough to contend with while on the go - from children in the backseat to mobile phones – we urge all litterbugs to dispose of their rubbish thoughtfully rather than throwing it out of the nearest car window."
And dirty road habits don't end there; more than half (52 per cent) of car-owners clear out the interior of their vehicle less than four times a year, resulting in a dangerous accumulation of rubbish.
The research reveals dirty vehicles – for example, filthy mirrors or drink containers rolling under pedals - cause more than 300,000 (2) road accidents.
Cleaning our motor is one of the nation's most-loathed chores, with more than a fifth (21 per cent) admitting they hate doing so. A further 14 per cent simply can't be bothered.
However, a quarter (24 per cent) of forgetful Britons want to clean their cars but say it simply slips their mind; as a result more than one in 10 (13 per cent) drivers have gone for at least a year without washing their car.
Direct Line is the UK's largest private motor insurer with over 3.1 million policyholders. For a competitive quote on motor insurance call Direct Line on 0845 246 8888 or buy online at www.directline.com
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Notes to Editors:
1.The research was carried out by YouGov from January 11th-13th 2005. A total of 2,197 UK adults aged 18 and above were questioned.
2.There are 33.8 million drivers in the UK (Census data, 2001) and according to the YouGov findings three per cent of all motorists have had an accident as a result of another driver throwing rubbish/litter from another vehicle. 0.03 x 33,809,493 = 1,014,285.
3. There are 33.8 million drivers in the UK (Census data, 2001) and according to the YouGov findings one per cent of all motorists have had an accident as a result of rubbish/empty containers rolling under the brake or clutch. 0.01 x 33,809,493 = 338,094.
Direct Line Insurance plc, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Calls may be recorded. Conditions apply.
For further information:
Emma Holyer
Direct Line Press Office
Tel: 0845 878 2182/ 07734 433569
Email: emma.holyer@directline.com
Website: http://www.directline.com
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