One in six drivers 'top 100mph'

ONE IN SIX (17%) of drivers admits to driving at more than 100mph on the motorway regularly in the UK, even though the speed limit is 70mph.

More than twice that number (38%) own up to driving at above 90mph, while 11% say they speed at 50mph or more in residential and urban areas where there is a 30mph speed limit.

Research by Direct Line shows 61% of drivers have also exceeded the 20mph limit.

Drivers said they were more likely to speed if the road ahead was clear and they were familiar with the roads being driven on. Another reason for speeding was if the driver was certain there were no speed cameras on that stretch of road.

Rob Miles, who commissioned the study, said: ‘We know motorists aren’t driving at these excessive speeds all the time, but even as a one-off it’s still extremely dangerous. Even in good driving conditions, the stopping distance at 100mph is almost double the stopping distance at the motorway limit of 70mph.

‘It’s easy to put your foot down when you’re feeling rushed or if there aren’t any speed cameras, but we’d urge motorists to drive with due care and attention as many are risking the safety of other road users, as well as their licence.’

By Press Association reporters