The study of 2,000 drivers for Continental Tyres also found that that we see bad driving habits on one in every four journeys, the worst being using a mobile, driving too close (tailgating), dangerous overtaking and failing to signal.

Despite recognising the risks, 39% of motorists admit to having broken the speed limit in the last month. Nearly one in ten also own up to using their mobile when in charge of a vehicle.

With the prospect of driverless cars on the roads soon, respondents also identified the top 10 list of advantages of autonomous driving:

• Road safety
• More efficient / reduced journey times
• Less concentration required
• Reduced insurance costs (through fewer accidents)
• Opportunity to use mobile
• Increased mobility for non-drivers
• Opportunity to eat in the car
• Opportunity to read in the car
• More productive use of time
• Opportunity to use tablet/laptop

The research was commissioned to address how road safety can be improved and accidents reduced as part of Continental Tyres' long-term commitment to ‘Vision Zero’, with the aim of reducing accidents through its tyre technologies and automotive systems.

Mark Griffiths, safety spokesman for Continental Tyres, said: “Adopting a double-standard and disapproving of the faults of others whilst ignoring our own failings is a clear concern.

“We and other automotive businesses have engineers delivering new technologies to improve road safety. Importantly though it cannot replace the need for motorists to be attentive so they enjoy their driving experience and improve safety for themselves and those they share the roads with.”