Goodyear survey highlights poor knowledge of Highway Code

Results from the poll of 5,000 motorists showed a large percentage failed to correctly answer a number of general knowledge and picture questions covering The Highway Code. 48 per cent of those surveyed also didn’t know that the typical stopping distance for a car driving at 50mph is 53 metres or 13 car lengths. Nearly a fifth thought they could get away with 36 metres.

When asked what the no-overtaking road sign meant, 23 per cent got it wrong and over 75 per cent assumed that the 30mph minimum speed sign actually indicated the maximum speed allowed.  However, while the results showed many drivers were out of touch with the road rules, 95 per cent are under the illusion that their understanding of The Highway Code is either adequate or good and over 40 per cent don’t believe that drivers should be re-tested.

“Understanding the rules of The Highway Code can significantly reduce road accidents,” said Eddy Geerdink, Goodyear’s marketing director. “Our survey shows that a number of drivers would fail their driving test based on this knowledge and at worst it could put the lives of fellow drivers at risk if they wrongly interpreted them in real motoring situations.”

“At Goodyear, we firmly believe that safety is a shared responsibility,” continued Geerdink. “Through this commitment we look forward to sharing the results of this survey with the UK population by using the Goodyear Blimp to underline the importance of road safety.”

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