One in seven have driving memory blanks
New research has suggested one in seven drivers have experienced episodes where they can’t remember the last few moments, or longer, of their journeys,
The findings are based on an AA-Populus poll of over 27,000 drivers, and found 15% of motorists very often or quite often had driving blackouts.
The poll also found memory blanks are more often experienced by younger rather than older drivers, with 21% of 18-24 year olds and 24% of 25-34 year olds admitting to the blanks.
14% of 55-64 year olds and 9% of over-65s admitted they had episodes of not remembering.
Female drivers (17%) are more likely to admit to motoring memory blanks than males drivers (13%) and 31% of men are adamant they never forget.
‘Motoring memory blanks may be an indication that the driver is not concentrating on the road ahead. It is good practice as a driver to question yourself as to whether you could safely stop if a child walked out from behind that parked car. Many drivers also go into autopilot when they are close to home after a long journey and that is a good time to remind yourself to concentrate harder to get home safely.
‘Whilst the Thought Police can’t and shouldn’t stop drivers from thinking, the number one priority whilst behind the wheel should be concentration on the road ahead.’
Government figures have shown the most common factor identified by police officers was failing to look properly, which was recorded in 44% of all accidents in 2014.
The contributory factor loss of control was reported in 32% of fatal accidents in 2014. The most frequently recorded factors were failing to look properly and failing to judge other person’s path or speed.
