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.
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