England Among the 'Safest Drivers in EU' According to Major Survey

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Nov 05, 2010, 03:00 ET

BRUSSELS, November 5, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- English drivers are the third safest drivers in Europe, according to a new poll by Goodyear Dunlop. Germans were voted the safest. 18% of the 3,500 drivers surveyed chose Germany when asked to nominate the country with the safest drivers in the EU, Sweden followed with 9% of the vote, and the UK came third with 6%.

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But UK drivers were more likely to require further knowledge about tires and their role in road safety of any EU drivers surveyed. Seven in ten UK respondents (71%) said they would have trouble telling one type of tire from another without assistance, 62% aren't sure whether the tires on their car are summer, winter or another type of tire, and 42% know little or nothing about how different tires can increase or decrease your grip on the road.

75% of respondents across the seven markets said they would like to know more about tires and their role in road safety.The survey results suggest that many drivers underestimate the link between tire choice and road safety. Only 39% said they were 'very likely' to find out which tires have the best grip in winter conditions, 29% said the same for summer conditions. One in five admit they never switch from summer to winter tires.

59% of EU respondents said they regularly checked their tire pressure but half of them admitted they might set out on a long journey without doing so. More than one in three admitted they continue to drive as normal on worn tires.

"This survey on tires and road safety reveals some of the worrying driving practices we all need to address to make our roads safer places," said Tom Delforge, Director of Communications EMEA at Goodyear Dunlop. "It also shows a number of road safety risks that can be addressed by promoting the right tire choice, building more awareness and encouraging better maintenance."

The study was carried out by APCO Insight on behalf of "Goodyear Dunlop Europe". 3,500 drivers were surveyed across Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK from 31 August to 9 September 2010. Interviews were conducted online in the local language of each country.

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SOURCE Goodyear Dunlop