I’m sure we’d all like to think of ourselves as great mates. The people who would do anything for anyone, of course we would. According to new research however, it seems that is far from the case when it comes to road safety.

A sharp increase in the proportion of cars speeding seen during the UK’s first national lockdown has prompted a new THINK! campaign urging young drivers on essential journeys to ‘BE THE MATE WHO WON’T SPEED’ to keep themselves and others safe on the road, and help reduce pressure on the NHS.

The new campaign, which is part of the THINK! Mates Matter strategy, will use social media, influencers and a partnership with LADbible to ‘normalise and champion’ positive behaviours, or as we like to call it, staying within the law and limits.

We’ve been chatting to Alan Kennedy, Executive Director – ROAD SAFETY GB about the campaign and the research from INSURETHEBOX.

There was a sharp increase in the number of cars speeding during the first national lockdown last year. There are concerns that with lockdown restrictions back in place, speeding could creep back up to peak levels as drivers take advantage of quieter roads.

With darker mornings and evenings, and lower temperatures, creating potentially treacherous conditions during the current national lockdown, the new THINK! campaign urges young drivers to rethink the excuses they make for speeding – such as being in a hurry or driving on roads they think they know well.

According to black box insurer insurethebox, drivers are more likely to have a collision in the winter than summer, with the increase among men double (13.7%) the increase among women (6.2%). 

THINK! says this raises concerns that men are more likely to overestimate their driving ability in bad weather conditions.

Government research also suggests that male drivers aged 17-24 years are more likely to demonstrate risky behaviours and attitudes compared to the general population, and admit to driving faster on roads they are familiar with or when they are in a hurry.

Only 38% of men aged 17-24 years believe it is very risky to drive too fast on a country road (compared with 62% of the general population), while only 14% consider it very risky to exceed the speed limit (42% of the general population).

Transport Minister Baroness Vere said……

“During lockdown, it’s vital we all stay at home and only travel for permitted reasons. If you must travel, remember – there’s no need to speed.  It’s not only illegal, but it puts your life and the lives of those around you at risk.

We’re continuing to work tirelessly to change attitudes that lead to speeding, particularly by challenging attitudes among high-risk young men and ensuring there are tough penalties and strict enforcement measures in place for those who disobey the law.”

If you’d like more details on the campaign, and to find ways to BE THE MATE, just go HERE.