57% of drivers feel like they can get away with careless driving according to a recent study by the AA.
The figure highlights a worrying trend in driver attitudes, supported by the growing belief that driving offences are going unpunished.
Respondents expressed concerns that offences such as using a handheld phone, driving under the influence of drugs, not wearing a seatbelt and using a dangerous vehicle were inadequately punished due to a reduced police presence on UK roads.
Head of roads policy for the AA, Jack Cousens said: “Be it driving offences or wider crime, public opinion suggests that too many people are simply getting away with it. It’s clear that the public want to see more bobbies on the beat, so the government’s ambition to increase the number of police officers is welcome.”
“We believe there should be a wider approach to tackling crime and that more cops in cars could produce safer communities as well as safer roads. A clear and visible presence is a deterrent itself to ensure better standards of driving, as well as sending a warning signal to criminals that the chances of being caught are higher than before.”
According to the AA, there are currently 4,215 traffic officers in England and Wales – 1,022 less than in March 2016. To improve driver sentiment and address the offences, they have urged the government to dedicate 1000 new recruits to the road traffic section of the forces.
Cousens concluded: “Investment in traffic officers does more than improve road safety, it produces safer neighbourhoods too.”
