The 2012 Skoda Motoring Insights Report has revealed that more motorists are talking on the phone as they drive. Mobile usage was just one aspect of driver behaviour and attitudes revealed.
In the survey, 36% admitted to using the phone while 20% confessed to texting. Although mobile usage is on the increase 56% of those surveyed felt the offence should attract four or more penalty points. Six per cent said that the maximum of 12 points should be awarded.
Driver attitudes were also analysed; looking at how motorists perceive their own skill behind the wheel. Of the 1,008 people asked, 42% believed they were a better driver than their partner. Men are more likely to break the speed limit and 10% confessed to driving at speeds above 200km/h. At the same time 59% of respondents named boy racers as the most irritating type of road user.
On the subject of car maintenance almost all the men (96%) said they knew how to change a wheel, compared with 59% of women. The number of women who said they can't change a wheel is up by 4% on 2011. However, 93% drivers of both sexes knew where the oil dipstick was located and 85% had recently checked the oil level.
If you need a lift from a stranger you stand a better chance in Munster, where 20% would pick up a hitchhiker, than in Dublin where only 8% would.