Company car drivers believe that speeding is less of an issue compared to private motorists, according to a new study.
The figures, from the RAC Report on Motoring, show that nearly nine in ten (87%) of company car drivers admit to speeding on motorways. At the same time 61% of private car owners said that they did the same thing.
While they are happy to put their foot down, company car drivers also favour no kind of penalty against minor speeding offences. Up to 38% of business drivers believe they shouldn’t be punished for this compared to 29% of standard motorists.
The report may offer some kind of explanation to this, however. More than 70% of company car drivers complained that congestion on roads is getting worse, which may go some way to explaining their feelings on speeding. Around three quarters of company car drivers also want targeted improvements to local roads in order to relieve bottlenecks.
David Bizley, RAC technical director, said: “We recognise that company car drivers are under huge pressure to complete each journey as quickly and efficiently as possible, so the importance of maintaining roads to a high standard and speed restrictions are all key issues for those who drive for business.
“However, it is worrying that such a high number of company car drivers are breaking speed limits and view this as somehow less serious than other motoring offences. Good business must not come at the expense of road safety.”
Another interesting finding from the report showed that company car drivers were becoming more concerned about the rising cost of fuel. Nearly half of those that responded (48%) said they will have to cut down on the amount they drive if prices continue to soar.
This fear of rising prices was further highlighted by the 49% of respondents have admitted that they have altered their driving style in order to conserve fuel.
