A new analysis by the RAC has highlighted a concerning trend: dangerous driving habits that emerged during the national lockdowns appear to be persisting on UK roads. The motoring organisation's findings suggest that a significant number of drivers are continuing to exhibit behaviours such as excessive speeding and disregarding traffic regulations, despite the return of pre-pandemic traffic volumes.
During the various lockdown periods, when roads were significantly quieter, there were anecdotal reports and some data indicating an increase in speeding. With fewer vehicles on the road, some drivers evidently took the opportunity to drive at higher speeds, with a perceived lower risk of collision or enforcement. The RAC's latest observations indicate that these habits have not simply disappeared as traffic levels have returned to normal, creating a heightened risk environment for all road users.
The implications of this continued behaviour are substantial for road safety. As more people commute and travel for leisure, the combination of increased traffic density and drivers maintaining dangerous habits could lead to a rise in road traffic accidents and fatalities. The report underscores the importance of drivers re-calibrating their approach to road use, recognising that the conditions of lockdown are no longer applicable.
Road safety charities and police forces have consistently campaigned for safer driving, emphasising the 'fatal four' – speeding, driving under the influence, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone at the wheel. The RAC's report adds another layer of concern, suggesting that the unique circumstances of the pandemic may have inadvertently cultivated a new wave of problematic driving styles that now require urgent attention from both motorists and enforcement agencies.
The motoring group is urging drivers to reflect on their habits and prioritise safety. They advocate for adherence to speed limits, maintaining appropriate distances, and being fully aware of surroundings, especially as roads become busier. The long-term impact of these persistent habits could be a reversal of progress made in reducing road casualties over recent decades, posing a significant challenge for public health and safety.