Young men are perceived to be the most dangerous users of our roads according to new consumer research from Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva), with 34% of respondents claiming this. This was followed by e-Scooter users at 20%, whilst 17% believe that cyclists are the most dangerous. The survey, which polled 1,000 adults nationwide was conducted by iReach Insights on behalf of Aviva. Older women were cited as the most dangerous road users by 10% of respondents, with 8% claiming that older men are.
Further insights from the research revealed:
- 39% of women and 29% of men claimed that young men are the most dangerous, highest amongst both the 25-44 and 55+ age cohorts at 38%
- 22% of men and 18% of women selected e-Scooter users as the most dangerous – most evidence amongst those aged 18-24 (55%)
- Men and women were broadly similar in their attitudes towards cyclists at 16% and 18% respectively – highest amongst those aged 55+ at 21%
The provisional review of fatalities on our roads* issued by the Road Safety Authority in January revealed some shocking statistics, with 150 fatal collisions on our roads in 2022 that resulted in 156 deaths. This was 26 more fatal accidents and 19 more deaths than were recorded in 2021. Behind each of these dreadful statistics are families and friends whose lives have changed forever following the untimely deaths of their loved ones. We can only hope that the doubling of fines for speeding and other traffic offences announced by the Department of Transport last October will have a positive impact and encourage drivers to abide by the rules of the road and in turn, help save lives.
Billy Shannon, Aviva
The Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan has confirmed that an upcoming Road Traffic and Roads Bill will regulate the use of e-Scooters this year. He has indicated that a clause will be inserted in the Bill stating that e-Scooters users must travel under 25 kph if they want to avoid insurance and tax. If implemented, it is imperative that this law be enforced for the safety of other road users and, to better protect pedestrians
Billy Shannon, Aviva
The Aviva research also asked survey respondents who they believe make the better drivers overall – men or women, with the majority (63%) claiming there is no difference. However, 22% cited men as being better at driving while 16% suggested it was women. The results of the question as to which gender is better at parking, with 48% claiming that there is no difference. However, in this instance, 45% cited men as being better at parking, while only 7% said that women are.
Other highlights from the research include:
- The highest percentage of those who believe men are better at driving were respondents aged 25-34, with the highest figure claiming women are from those aged 45-54 at 18%.
- 56% of respondents aged 55+ claimed that men are better at parking compared with 10% of those aged 18-34 years.
“Evidently it really is a moot point as to which of us make the better drivers and are more confident when it comes to parking, particularly in tight spaces. It is good to see that most respondents believe that there is no difference between us when it comes to our driving skills. However, when it comes to the question as to who is better at parking, the number of respondents who voted for men (45%) is almost on par with the 48% who say there is no difference. I’ve been advised to make no further comment at this time,” concluded Billy Shannon.