08/28/2009

British drivers will clock up 675 million miles a year - driving the wrong way, according to a new study commissioned by Continental Tyres.

Eight in ten people admit to getting lost regularly, travelling an average of 25 miles in completely the wrong direction each year. That means the average Brit will motor 1,538 miles during their driving life which is the same as travelling half way across the Atlantic. And each year the nation drives the equivalent of 27 thousand times around the equator.

Guy Frobisher, from Continental Tyres which polled 4,000 motorists, said: “This is a staggering amount of extra miles driven in the wrong direction. The time spent driving around aimlessly adds up. The survey shows the importance of planning before a journey and serves as a reminder that it’s vital to check your car before you go and ensure you know the route.”

"Basic checks including pressure of your tyres and oil and water levels are essential before a long journey. The further you drive out of your way, the worse it is if something such as a puncture was to occur. Time is precious, so make sure you plan the perfect break - a post puncture sealant kit is as important to pack as the spare undies.”

The study of 17 to 65 year olds found 83 per cent have taken a wrong turn and become lost. A misguided eight in ten have had to look at the map or directions and two thirds have had to stop by the side of the road and ask for help. When quizzed about their map reading ability, 30 per cent don't have a clue when it comes to colour of roads, symbols or what junctions to take.

A third have become completely lost but didn't admit it to their passengers at the time. And 77 per cent have tried retracing their steps to no avail. The average driver decides to do a complete U-turn after nine minutes. But 12 per cent would first ring their dad for help and 8 per cent would stop and panic.

The majority of respondents blame their poor navigational skills on simply missing a sign, confusing road markings or because they're too busy nattering. Other distractions include kids in the back seat playing around and glancing at the scenery, not on the road ahead. The survey found how satellite navigation users don't fair much better.

Half of drivers who rely on sat nav have been taken the wrong way, with three quarters deciding to go against what it says. And one if five have then found themselves in the middle of nowhere. It also emerged seven in ten don't bother having any map or directions with them and 18 per cent fail to plan their route before a long trek.

The survey revealed couples argue at least once a month about how to get from A to B and have spent nearly 90 minutes driving around disorientated. A third have come to a standstill at a dead end and one in ten have become stuck in a narrow road. A crazy 17 per cent even admitted to reversing the WRONG way back up a motorway to get onto their slip road.

ENDS

CALCULATIONS:
34 million UK drivers
83 per cent have taken the wrong turn whilst driving and got lost = 27 million drivers.

Driving lifetime: 17 to 78.5 (average life expectancy) = 61.5
Average Brit: 25 miles lost each year X 61.5 = 1,538 miles in lifetime
As a nation: 25 miles a year per person X 27 million = 675 million miles a year