Novice Drivers 'Fear Motorways'

• News
• Published: 26 Nov 2009 in Motoring and Car Insurance

A deep fear of motorways has been revealed by an AA Driving School survey showing that many novices avoid them altogether in their first few years on the road.

Young drivers and women motorists, particularly in north-west England, are the least confident, with 14 per cent saying they lack the necessary skills.

Only 44 per cent of women and those aged 18-24 are confident on motorways compared with 65 per cent of those aged 55 to 64, and 70 per cent of men. And 11 per cent of men and 28 per cent of women are still avoiding motorways three years after passing their test.

AA driving instructors say that driving too slowly, not merging safely when joining the motorway and not keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front are the most common driving faults.

Director Simon Douglas, said: "The evidence suggests motorways are our most feared and avoided roads, yet statistically they are safer than the alternatives.

"By avoiding them you are at best missing out on the speed and convenience of motorway travel and at worst putting yourself at greater risk on A roads."