Are you Mr or Mrs average behind the wheel

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The average motorist will have three accidents, jump two red lights and will carry out two emergency stops during their life behind the wheel, new research1 has revealed.

According to a study of 3,000 motorists by esure motor insurance, a run-of-the-mill licence holder will also fall asleep at the wheel - albeit briefly - once, hit one animal, get caught speeding three times and end up with three points on their licence. They will also land themselves in trouble through collecting four parking tickets and have their wheels clamped once.

The study also revealed that the average driver will have passed their test at the age of 20 after three attempts over a six and a half month period.

When it comes to the condition of their vehicle, the average motorist will break down three times, be forced to change a tyre at the side of the road twice and will become stranded after running out of petrol once. They will also lock their keys in their car once during their life.

On three occasions every month, the average driver will tuck into a snack while trying to drive at the same time but for some, driving isn't the only thing they do in their car as forty-two per cent of Brits have ended up sleeping in their car and a third admitted to having a romantic clinch in their car.

Worryingly, the poll revealed that the average motorist drives over the legal alcohol limit once and they will have two arguments with other motorists whilst driving.

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure car insurance, said: "Our research gives a snapshot of what the average driver experiences during their years on the road and proves it's not always a smooth ride. It is alarming just how many times during a driver’s life the law is broken.

Incidents on the road such as getting caught speeding, jumping red lights or being involved in an accident often occur when care and attention behind the wheel wavers. This goes to show just how important it is to take out quality insurance cover for your vehicle and avoid distractions when in the driving seat."

The average driver...

Attempts to pass their test - THREE
Time to pass their test - 6.5 MONTHS
Age at which passed - 20 YEARS AND 6 MONTHS
Cars owned - FIVE
Caught speeding - THREE TIMES
Current points on licence - THREE
Drive through red lights - TWICE
Run out of fuel - ONCE
Has bumped, scratched or dented car - THREE TIMES
Emergency stops - TWICE
Accidents - THREE
Hits birds / animal - ONCE
Break down - THREE TIMES
Change a tyre - TWICE
Arguments with other drivers - TWO
Parking tickets - FOUR
Have wheels clamped - ONCE
Drive over the limit - ONCE
Eat at the wheel (per month) - THREE TIMES
Fallen asleep, or been close to it - ONCE
Locked their keys in their car - ONCE
Songs listened to - 104,832 (12 SONGS PER DAY)

-ends-

Notes to Editors:

  1. SWNS conducted an online research survey via Onepoll which interviewed a random sample of 3000 motorists aged 18+ between 25th February – 2nd March 2009.

esure's press contacts:

Emma Lloyd, Assistant Communications Officer: 01737 641309
Asia Manzoor, Public Relations Officer: 01737 641305
Niki Bolton, Corporate Communications Manager: 01737 235070
Adrian Webb, Head of Corporate Communications: 01737 641000
Email: pr@esure.com
An ISDN line is available for radio interviews

About esure:

esure was launched in 2001. The company offers car, home, pet and travel insurance over the internet and by phone. esure also offers car insurance cover through the brands Halifax, Sainsbury's, Sheilas' Wheels and more recently home insurance through the Sheilas' Wheels brand.

Sponsorship:

esure has secured two of the UK's most iconic sponsorships: the ITV National and Channel 4 Weather bulletins.