Angel or devil driver? How likely are you to…

11^th January 2021

Over the festive period (remember that?) we asked nearly 230 drivers of all ages and stages, from 17-year-old learners to 45-year-old experienced drivers, whether they'd consider themselves on the 'naughty' or 'nice' list when it came to every day driving situations.

From indicating on roundabouts to speeding up at the lights, here's how they scored themselves on a 'How likely are you to' scale (or at least, what they were prepared to admit to!)

Let someone out at a junction if they've been waiting a while?

53% of drivers said they would always let someone go at a junction when they can see they've been stuck there for a while, while an honest 23% said they would most of the time.

As for the rest who said they never do... well, lets hope karma doesn't pay you a visit when it's you who's stuck waiting!

Let your passengers pick the music?

Surprisingly, just over half of drivers (52%) were happy to let their pals be DJ while they're driving. We're assuming that's because they haven't got a mate who's seriously into their heavy metal.

The other half of the group said no way, and we don't blame you. There's nothing worse than someone messing with your S-Club 7 playlist.

Speed up when the lights turn amber?

59% said they never speed up when the lights turn amber - very angelic behaviour indeed, so we're impressed. I know if I tried to do this my car would never make it anyway, so not worth the risk!

22% were prepared to raise their hand and admit to sometimes putting their foot down. While a 19% have boldly said they're a bit of a devil when they see an amber light and try to race though before they turn red.

Mend your ways! You never know, one day someone might be doing the same at a cross junction and you could find yourself in a sticky situation.

Here's ingenie's top tips on improving your speed.

Check your car's oil every week?

27% of drivers said they do check their car oil every week (and if this is true, then kudos) while 56% said they don't, and I think most of us will fall into that group - woops.

17% did say they check their car's oil from time to time or, if they remember!

Do some car maintenance every month?

35% said they always keep on top of their car maintenance while concerningly 41% never do this. We're guessing this group are either super busy people or maybe they just don't know where to start?

If that's the case, here's how to give you car a little bit of TLC.

Be patient when you see a learner driver?

81% of drivers said they're patient when they see a learner on the road, and as a car insurance brand that are all about helping learners get road-ready, we'd like to say thank you for that - you're the real angels here.

12% of drivers said they do their best to give learners space and time on the road but sometimes they get a bit wound up, while 7% have no patience at all.

Take a deep breath and remember, that was you once too!. Most drivers will remember the feeling of not wanting to make mistakes and annoy other drivers, so patience on the road really is worth its weight in gold.

Try and get past a learner driver as soon as possible?

While more experienced drivers may let out a little sigh when they spot a learner in front, 71% were firmly on the nice list with this, staying well back and waiting for a safe time to pass.

11% of drivers took their place on the naughty list though, admitting to zooming past learners, assumably for fear of being held up.

Just remember though, you might have saved yourself a few seconds, but overtaking when it's not safe could one day end very differently.

Indicate when exiting a roundabout?

Nearly all drivers (92%) who took part in this survey were scored as perfect angels when it came to indicating at roundabouts - yay, gold stars for everyone!

6% didn't quite make it fully onto the nice list as they only flicked their indicators on sometimes, but we appreciate the honesty.

And as for the 2% who said they never do this - BOO! It's not only super annoying to be driving behind someone who doesn't indicate but also dangerous. Sort it out!

React to someone's not so great driving (evil look, toot, or worse?!)

45% of drivers are angels who completely turn a blind eye at someone else being a bit, err, silly on the road. It takes a lot of willpower as a driver not to react to poor driving, so go you. Nothing is messing with your positivie vibes. Pure zen over here.

For 28% of drivers, it seems to depend on what the other driver did and what kind of mood they're in that day as to whether they react. 26% admitted they do get a bit fired up with other drivers behaving badly, although we're sure no hand gestures were involved, just a polite wave to send them on their way.

If you've ever found yourself on the receiving end of road rage, here's what to do.

Go the wrong way in a car park to grab an empty space?

70% of drivers wouldn't risk getting caught by the car park CCTV by breaking the one-way system, and rightly so. But there is a sneaky 17% who may just chance it if they can get nab themselves a good space.

There is a small group (17%) of naughty drivers out there though, who simply can't resist seeking out the best driving space - even if that means driving backwards and risking a fine!