Automotive, Europe, Transport, Travel, United Kingdom

Anxiety, Distractions and Habitual Speeders: The Reality of British Drivers

8 September 2026

Editorial Brief

At a glance: AI-assisted overview, optimised for journalists, search & news aggregators

A survey by OOONO reveals that over half of British drivers admit to speeding, with 63% regularly breaking speed limits, and many also report being distracted by factors such as mobile phones and passengers. Younger drivers are the worst offenders, with a significant number using phones while driving. The findings highlight the risks and dangers of distracted driving, despite most drivers feeling anxious on the roads.

EDITORIAL INSIGHT: Context, industry insight and market perspectives of this news story

Concerns around road safety have come to the fore with new survey data highlighting the extent of risky driving behaviours among UK motorists. While self-reported habits such as speeding and distraction are not new issues for British roads, the figures indicate that such behaviours remain widespread across age groups, despite high levels of driver anxiety.

For businesses operating fleet vehicles or relying on road transport, these findings may underline the ongoing need to invest in driver safety training and technology, especially as younger drivers appear more likely to engage in high-risk activities. With government and police attention periodically focused on road safety campaigns and enforcement, companies could face growing pressure to demonstrate proactive measures that address both compliance and employee wellbeing behind the wheel.

Story Ideas

Research/data

Generational Differences in Driving Habits: Are Younger Drivers More Risky?

Explore the significant generational gap in driving behaviours, highlighting how younger drivers are more prone to speeding and using mobile phones while driving compared to older drivers.

Target audience: publications focusing on youth culture, generational studies
Story potential: 7/10

Technology

The Role of Technology in Reducing Driver Distractions

Investigate how technology, like apps and smart devices, can help reduce distractions and improve safety for drivers, as suggested by the survey results.

Target audience: tech magazines, automotive industry publications
Story potential: 6/10

Press Release

London, UK - September 8th 2026

New data released this week reveals that over half (56%) of British drivers admit to speeding, with 63% saying they habitually break the speed limit.

Not only are drivers regularly driving above safe speeds, but they also admit to being distracted while behind the wheel. Almost three-quarters (71%) admit to driving tired, 31% use their phones while driving and 45% say they have been distracted by children or other passengers while behind the wheel.

This worrying insight into British driving comes from a survey of 1,500 people using UK roads by OOONO, a company committed to making driving safer and simpler. These admissions of dangerous driving come in stark contrast to the 61% of people surveyed who said they felt anxious driving on British roads.

Younger drivers came out as the worst offenders, with a quarter of 18 – 24 year olds admitting to regularly going over the speed limit, compared to just 13% of 65+ year olds. They are also the group most likely to use their phone behind the wheel, with 40% admitting to it, compared to just 15% of 65+ year olds.

These distractions come at a cost, with nearly 2 in 10 (19%) British drivers saying they have received a speeding ticket in the past five years and 63% of those weren’t aware the speed camera was there until the fine arrived.

Mike Skyte, OOONO’s UK Country Manager, said: “Fines and penalties are inconvenient and easily avoided, but what people should be really worried about here is how many drivers are distracted on their journeys and zone out. Whether it’s a mobile phone, passengers, sat nav directions or simply tiredness, there are distractions around us every time we get behind the wheel. The encouraging thing is that drivers recognise these risks, which means there are simple steps we can all take to reduce them – from taking regular breaks and putting our phones away, to using technology that keeps us informed without demanding our attention.”

British Drivers’ Top Driver Distractions according to the OOONO survey include: