More than half of motorists think it’s ‘OK’ to park on double yellows, go above the speed limit, and drive through a bus lane – if it’s an emergency. A staggering 86% of respondents admitted they get annoyed when they see other people breaking road laws, but many would consider it acceptable in an emergency.
The poll of 2,000 drivers found the most common acceptable reasons cited for breaking road laws include the passenger experiencing a heart attack or stroke and someone suffering a serious injury. But 14% believe a pet emergency warrants breaking the rules, and one in 20 would even consider needing the toilet to be a valid reason.
Nearly one in five (17%) have broken a road law when in what they consider to be an emergency situation.
Should they be pulled over by the police, nearly a third (32%) would expect an officer to escort them to their destination, while 14% reckon they would get away with it based on the circumstances.
Adam Craddock from temporary car insurance provider Tempcover, which commissioned the research, said: “It is vital to remember that breaking road laws, like speeding or running red lights, can inadvertently create a second emergency by putting yourself and other road users at risk.
“The last thing anyone needs in a crisis is the legal and safety repercussions to make an already difficult situation much harder to manage.”
More than one in 10 (12%) have borrowed someone else’s car during an emergency situation, but just 41% checked to see if they had relevant insurance to use it.
And 36% admitted they were unaware driving without insurance, even in an emergency, could lead to their vehicle being seized.
In a hypothetical situation where they drove a car they weren’t insured on, 27% said their biggest concern would be being liable for costs if they crashed. Whereas 19% would be worried about getting points on their licence.
Adam Craddock added: "Driving without valid insurance, even in an emergency, remains a criminal offence.
“If caught driving uninsured, you could be subject to fines, points on your licence, and the vehicle could be seized and destroyed.
“Whether you are looking for cover for a day or just an hour to borrow a car at short notice - temporary car insurance is available 24/7, 365 days of the year.
“It offers comprehensive cover in minutes, ensuring you are legally protected and removing the risk of being uninsured during an already stressful time.”
1. Park on double-yellows
2. Go above the speed limit
3. Drive through a bus lane
4. Beep to get other drivers out of your way
5. Park in a restricted or illegal area
6. Park on zigzag lines
7. Let someone else drive you without asking if they are insured
8. Drive on the hard shoulder of the motorway
9. Drive through a cycle lane
10. Drive with broken lights or indicators
11. Run a red light
12. Borrow a car I am not insured on (even with the owner’s permission)
13. Drive with tyres below the legal tread depth
14. Drive with passengers not wearing seatbelts
15. Drive without an MOT
16. Borrow someone else’s car with or without their permission
17. Ignore a pedestrian waiting at a zebra crossing
18. Not use your indicators
19. Use a mobile phone without hands-free
20. Go above the speed limit by a school
