/Drivers Face Higher Risks from Dangerous Braking Than Speeding
– New analysis reveals dangerous braking is prevalent on UK roads.
– Nearly 20% of drivers exhibit dangerous braking behavior.
– A clear link identified between phone usage and harsh braking.
– Young and novice drivers are particularly prone to dangerous braking.
– Expert advice emphasizes the importance of reduced distractions while driving.
An analysis of telematics data has revealed that instances of dangerous braking among drivers are significantly higher than those of dangerous speeding on UK roads. According to research from Marshmallow Car Insurance, drivers are seven times more likely to engage in dangerous braking than to speed.
Marshmallow Move, the insurer’s telematics service, analyzed data from 10 million trips over a three-month timeframe. The study evaluated different driving behaviors, scoring them out of 100 and categorizing them into six ratings: Dangerous, Very Poor, Poor, Average, Good, and Excellent.
The findings indicate that braking is a critical area for improvement, with nearly one in five drivers (19.4%) rated as Dangerous in their braking behavior. In comparison, only 2.7% of drivers were rated Dangerous for speeding, while less than 10% were rated Dangerous for phone usage while driving.
The following metrics illustrate the percentage of drivers who scored ‘Dangerous’ in various categories:
– Braking: 19%
– Phone Handling: 9%
– Cornering: 4%
– Speeding: 2.7%
– Acceleration: 1.5%
Common reasons for harsh braking include maintaining insufficient distance from the vehicle ahead, inattentiveness to the road, and failure to anticipate upcoming events, all of which can increase the likelihood of accidents.
The analysis also found that drivers who frequently use their phones while driving tend to have poorer braking scores. The worst 25% of phone users averaged a “Poor” braking score, while the top 25% achieved a “Good” rating.
Stephen Hemmings, Marshmallow’s Group Product Manager for Telematics, addressed the findings: “This data highlights a clear association between poor phone-handling scores and harsher braking. Distraction can reduce the time drivers have to recognize and respond to changing road conditions, increasing the likelihood of sudden braking. We hope these insights will encourage drivers to keep their phones out of reach and give the road their full attention.”
Dr. Leanne Savigar-Shaw, Associate Professor in Policing at the University of Staffordshire’s Institute of Policing and Justice, added: “Harsh braking can be a sign that a driver or rider has responded late to a situation or event. This is likely to happen when people are using their phones while driving or riding, whether handheld or hands-free, because it takes longer to process information within the road environment.”
Driving instructor Aman Sanghera emphasized the importance of anticipation while driving: “As a driving instructor, one of the most important things I teach is anticipation. Using your phone while driving can take your attention away from developing hazards, meaning you may not notice a vehicle slowing down or a pedestrian stepping into the road until you’re forced to brake suddenly. It’s not just phones either. Loud music and passengers talking over one another can also affect concentration, particularly for newly qualified drivers who are still building their experience. My advice is to put your phone away, keep music at a sensible volume, minimize distractions from passengers, and look well ahead. The safest drivers don’t just react to hazards; they anticipate them before they become emergencies.”
The analysis further highlighted that students and young drivers are particularly affected by dangerous braking, with 24% of students and 26% of drivers aged 17-24 receiving a Dangerous rating for their braking habits. Dr. Savigar-Shaw noted, “Research shows that novice drivers have poorer hazard perception, so they may have to respond more quickly to hazards in the environment.”
