Nearly half from Mumsnet and Gransnet driver survey ‘more distracted’ than before

Nearly 50% of survey participants from the Mumsnet and Gransnet websites say they get more distracted with driving today than before.

The survey, of 1070 people from the two websites, conducted on behalf of IAM RoadSmart, wanted to better understand aspects of driving parents and grandparents are most concerned about. And while 95% of both Mumsnet and Gransnet users are confident drivers, there are certain aspects they would like to improve particularly when driving with children and grandchildren in the car.

Although the majority of respondents (84%) have been driving for quite some time, over 40% get stressed about ensuring their children/grandchildren are in the right car seat or using the right seatbelt.

IAM RoadSmart’s chief executive officer, Sarah Sillars OBE said: “Being a confident driver isn’t necessarily about having years of experience on the road. It’s about developing skills in those areas that you find most challenging at any given time.

“Gransnetters, for example, have said they are less confident about driving in the dark on the motorway with children. This insight really helps us gain a better understanding of any key concerns and challenges these drivers are faced with today, and in turn find a solution to help them build their confidence in these specific areas.”

The survey also asked participants about how they would like to be supported in their development and confidence. The majority said they would favour one-to-one training sessions that would help them become safer road users overall.

Sarah added: “We have a number of training courses available that can help both parents and grandparents with their driving. From brushing up your driving skills to cope with driving in bad weather, to driving safely with in-car distractions, our courses are delivered on a one-to-one basis in the comfort of your own car.”

IAM RoadSmart’s Driver Assessment is a relaxed and informal way for road users to reassess their skills and focus on areas of improvement over one or two hours. And if drivers would like to spend more time developing their skills and confidence, the Advanced Driver course can prove beneficial over a longer period of time.

IAM RoadSmart also has the Mature Driver’s Assessment on offer for grandparents – an informal training option that helps older drivers refresh their skills and gain reassurance that they’re safe to carry on driving.

You can find out more about IAM RoadSmart’s training courses here: https://www.iamroadsmart.com/courses

Further information from:

IAM RoadSmart press office – 020 8996 9777 – press.office@iam.org.uk 

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IAM RoadSmart has a mission to make better drivers and riders in order to improve road safety, inspire confidence and make driving and riding enjoyable. It does this through a range of courses for all road users, from online assessments through to the advanced driving and riding tests. IAM RoadSmart is the trading name of all businesses operated by the UK’s largest road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and was formed in April 2016 combining the IAM, IAM Drive & Survive, PDS and IAM Driver Retraining Academy. The organisation has 92,000 members and campaigns on road safety on their behalf. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses, from members of the public to company drivers, while our Driver Retraining Academy has helped 2,500 drivers to shorten their bans through education and support programmes.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com