A new study from MoneySuperMarket suggests many motorists may be less observant than they believe, raising questions about how drivers maintain awareness on familiar journeys.
The research asked 1,000 UK drivers to watch a short traffic clip and report what they saw. Despite 75% saying they were confident they noticed everything important, 86% failed to spot a pedestrian walking alongside the road.
The findings point to a potential disconnect between perceived awareness and actual observation, an issue that can affect drivers of all ages and experience levels.
The study also examined highway hypnosis, a term used to describe drivers mentally switching to autopilot during routine journeys.
According to the findings:
- 14% frequently zone out and cannot remember sections of a journey.
- 11% regularly miss speed limit changes.
- 12% miss turns they intended to take.
- 27% say cyclists and pedestrians seem to appear from nowhere.
While drivers may still be controlling the vehicle, reduced conscious attention can increase the risk of missing important information in the driving environment.
Drivers aged 55 and over were the least likely to identify the pedestrian hazard, with 91% missing it entirely.
Meanwhile, drivers aged 25 to 34 achieved the strongest results, with 22% successfully spotting the pedestrian.
The study also found that 61% of motorists believe they are more aware than other road users, with drivers aged 35 to 44 expressing the highest levels of confidence.
The findings underline the importance of keeping eyes moving, regularly checking mirrors and actively scanning for developing hazards rather than relying on familiarity with a route.
MoneySuperMarket’s Alicia Hempsted said: “Even for the most experienced drivers, maintaining awareness behind the wheel is crucial when driving a vehicle, and overconfidence can sometimes have very serious consequences.
“From an insurance perspective, a lack of focus or concentration, even for a split second, can affect the outcome of any insurance claims you might submit in the event of an accident.
“When driving a vehicle, it’s important to maintain your focus, as a hazard can appear at any time. Keep your eyes moving across the road and your mirrors, checking every few seconds for other road users and hazards, as well as before accelerating, braking or performing any manoeuvres.”
