Here’s the times of day when drivers are most likely to break the law

There's two times of day that people are most likely to break the law while driving

A survey of 2,000 motorists has lifted the lid on their practices when they're behind the wheel, to determine when they are most likely to ignore the Highway Code.  

Some habits leave a lot to be desired, as 26 per cent admit they drive above the legal speed limit on a regular basis.

And almost half (45 per cent) said they're more likely to not follow the rules of the road in an area they’re familiar with.

More than a quarter (26 per cent) might break a driving law when roads seem particularly empty or quiet – while 15 per cent may when they’re desperate for the loo.

Other reasons people admitted to breaking road laws included medical emergencies (33 per cent) or misjudging the speed limit (22 per cent).

Alain Zweibrucker, CEO for AXA Retail, which commissioned the research as part of its ‘Backseat Boss’ road safety education programme, said: "It's vital for motorists to stay alert when on the road and avoid distractions that can cause accidents.  

“This is especially important near schools, yet you still see many ignoring signs even when children are nearby.

“Being distracted at the wheel may seem harmless in the moment – such as replying to ‘just one text’ – but when driving, everything can change in an instant.”  

Nearly nine in 10 (87 per cent) believe there should be a blanket 20mph speed limit outside primary schools during drop-off and pick-up times.

And 86 per cent feel local authorities should work more closely with primary schools to make roads safer.

Of the 61 per cent of respondents who had been caught speeding, 29 per cent saw their insurance costs increase.

While 18 per cent were left to pay a higher excess, and six per cent even had to move to a specialist high-risk insurer.

More than a fifth (22 per cent) believe current speed limits in the UK are too low, although 67 per cent consider them ‘about right’.

Alain Zweibrucker added: “Speeding is only one of the many ways motorists can break the Highway Code when in the driver’s seat.  

“But it’s a really easy way to cause an accident, which can end up affecting your insurance costs when it comes to renewal time.

“It’s especially important to be mindful of your speed in built-up areas, and around schools as younger children’s behaviour can be unpredictable.”

And exactly half are more likely to break a driving law while travelling alone in a car, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Nearly a fifth (19 per cent) have even had child passengers comment on their driving – with 30 per cent of them saying they were travelling too fast, and 14 per cent being told off for using a phone.

Katrina Phillips, CEO of road safety charity Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) said: “While it might be tempting to speed in an area we know well, what we can’t anticipate is a child suddenly running or veering out in front of us.  

“The speed we drive at can be the difference between life and death for that child. We can help drivers stick to the rules of the road and the speed limits in place outside primary schools at busy drop-off and pick-up times.”

Top 10 reasons drivers are likely to break a driving law

1. Medical emergency (33 per cent)

2. Road is empty or quiet (28 per cent)

3. Misjudging the speed limit (22 per cent) 

4. Late for an appointment (21 per cent)

5. Not concentrating on how fast I am driving (20 per cent)

6. Running late for work (17 per cent)

7. Being late for an event (17 per cent)

8. Trying to make up time after a delay (15 per cent)

9. Distracted and not paying attention (15 per cent)

10. Needing to use the toilet urgently (15 per cent)