Almost a third of learner drivers have been brought to tears while behind the wheel, according to alarming new research.
The startling report by learner driver insurers Marmalade found abuse towards learners is on the rise with 29% being brought to tears due to the actions of other drivers. A huge 99% of driving instructors have witnessed abuse directed at their pupils, with more than half reporting the most incidents at roundabouts.
Almost half of learners and instructors (42%) reported abuse or intimidation in town or city centres with 32% experiencing the behaviour at traffic lights and a further 23% on motorways. According to the survey of over 1,000 learner drivers and more than 400 driving instructors, the most common form of intimidation learners experience is tailgating followed by dangerous overtaking, beeping and being cut up.
READ MORE: Highway Code: Could you pass the driving theory test now?
The most frequent on-road "intimidation and abuse hotspots" are:
- Roundabouts (61%)
- Town or city centres (42%)
- Traffic lights (32%)
- Motorways (23%)
- Country roads (18%)
Men aged 30-39 were the biggest culprits according to 67% of respondents, with men in general likely to be more abusive than female road users. Off the back of the concerning findings, Marmalade is petitioning to enforce harsher penalties on those who abuse learner drivers and instructors, with the petition topping 10,000 signatures so far.
Commenting on the research and the launch of a UK Government petition, managing director of Marmalade, Paul Baxter said: “This issue means a lot to us and is something we feel incredibly passionate about. It’s something that impacts the majority of our customer base which means we have a responsibility to help.
“That’s why we’re calling on the Government to do more to prevent on-road bullying of learners by introducing measures to impose stronger sentences on drivers who drive carelessly or dangerously around learner drivers.
“Everyone who drives has been a learner before, so they should be able to empathise with the struggles of learner drivers and feel compelled to help by signing the petition.”
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