ESP research reveals fleet safety concerns

Working drivers are more likely to tailgate and speed on motorways and in towns than other drivers, according to new research published by a national road safety charity.

The study by Brake and a leading breakdown insurance company revealed that six out of ten business motorists admit leaving less than a two second gap between their vehicle and the vehicle in front.

Nearly three-quarters also admitted speeding at 80mph or more on motorways, compared to half of other drivers.

Brake claims that speeding is a contributory factor in more than a quarter of deaths on UK roads and tailgating was a contributory factor in at least 54 deaths in 2006.

Now the charity is calling for the Department for Transport to publish its research into satellite-controlled speed limiters and Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA).

If this is successful, the technology should be installed in all vehicles. In the meantime, Brake says the government should step up funding for speed cameras and traffic police whilst raising the fixed penalty for speeding to six points, with a fine of £1,000.

Brake’s head of campaigns, Cathy Keeler, said that it is horrifying that so many drivers admit breaking such basic road rules as leaving a two-second gap or sticking to the speed limit, especially when they drive for work.

She said work pressures are no excuse for impatient and aggressive driving.