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many areas across the UK are in a
pretty poor state. It’s not surprising
therefore that the state of local
roads is the number-one concern
for motorists in 2016.
With fuel more affordable, it is
understandable that our roads
have become busier over the last
year and this has translated into
increased concern about congestion
and lengthier journey times for
both local and longer trips. I am
sure many of the C&C Club’s
members have experienced this
and are starting their journeys at
times when traffic is likely to be at
its lightest.
The Report highlights that road
safety issues are high on the list
of motorists’ concerns. But it’s the
irresponsible behaviour of a small
minority of drivers that concern
responsible motorists. It is
those who insist on using their
smartphones without a hands-free
kit while driving, those who drive
uninsured or untaxed vehicles,
those who ignore traffic law and
those who, despite all of the
warnings, still drive when over the
drink-drive limit, who increase
the risk of accidents for all of us.
The development of our attitudes
as road users starts when we are
young. We follow our parents’
example and we learn from other
role models at school and in
outside interest groups.
As an ambassador for UK Scouting
I see many examples of how the
movement helps to educate and
inform young people through
activities which are not only fun, but
also lay the foundations that help
them to develop into responsible
members of society. The Cubs’
road safety badge, which is a joint
initiative by the RAC and the Scout
Association and is ably supported
by the RAC’s Road Safety mascot
Horace, is a great example of this.
As in previous years, the report is
a fascinating window on motoring
and the views of motorists. What’s
more, it offers insight that can help
drive improvements for motorists
in the months and years ahead.
Julia Bradbury
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Foreword