Shock new survey reveals a ‘rich:poor’ divide that may be highly worrying

With survey findings that showed wealthy drivers in premium cars are potentially more ‘dangerous’ than those at the opposite end of the social scale, Iain Robertson urges caution, not just because surveys can be terribly misleading.

When quizzed on their knowledge of British motoring laws, people in high-earning roles, such as company bosses, seasoned professionals and celebrities, seemed to know much less than casual labourers, students and even the unemployed. They were also found to be an incredible three times more likely (18% vs 6%) to get out their mobile-phones, while driving, thus factoring-in added risk to other road users, let alone themselves.



According to the national survey of 1,200 people, a staggering 32% of wealthier drivers had no idea that it was against the law to drive with a pet on their lap, which contrasts starkly with the 82% of less well-off motorists, who knew they could be landed with a hefty fine for the same offence. Around 40% of the ‘rich’ were unaware that stopping on a motorway’s hard shoulder for anything other than an emergency is illegal, while more than twice the number (84%) of ‘poor’ drivers knew the facts. 


Intriguingly, the survey was carried out equally across each of the six social classes evident in the UK and, while most of the scores were very even, there was a huge disparity between the upper and lower sections of the results tables. Most of us have a pre-conceived notion about the driving standards demonstrated by ‘other’ classes but it does appear as if those higher up the ladder have significantly less awareness. 


There may be ‘valid’ reasons for it, in that a £100 fine and three licence penalty points (on average) are not much of a problem to someone earning more money. At the opposite end of the scale, greater awareness of the value of money may enhance a law-abiding mentality.



Of course, it might be that senior executives consider that the work they do is far more important than attending to the rules of the road and, if they need to work while driving, then so be it. However, some celebrities, regardless of the negative publicity than can result, simply just could not give a monkey’s! Some of the ‘rich’s’ reported more-popular-misdemeanours include:


  • Motorway middle-lane hogging
  • Ignoring road-works speed restrictions
  • Stopping wherever they wish
  • Driving at excess speeds (everywhere)
  • Using communications devices while driving
  • Amber-gambling with automatic traffic signals
  • Displaying unrelenting impatience.


Regardless of social background, obeying the Rules of the Road, as spelled-out in The Highway Code is every driver’s and rider’s responsibility. Being well-off enough to afford a fine and any subsequent legal support, does not mean the rules no longer apply. Driving is a demanding activity that warrants the maximum levels of concentration.



However, whether you drive a Suzuki Celerio, or a Range Rover Autobiography, there is no need for bad manners and being discourteous on our crowded roads. Even if you are ‘assaulted’ by a clearly more expensive car and driver, do not retaliate, as they will receive their comeuppance in due course, rest assured!

MSG Summary

We like to believe that drivers considerate enough to come to our company for their new cars, will also be thoughtful in their daily driving habits, regardless of their wealth, or perceived place in society.

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