Motorists blame poor roads for wrong-lane incidents

According to new research, Britain’s deteriorating roads mean many drivers are risking their own and others’ lives as they veer out of their lane to avoid potholes.

A recent poll of drivers found that around 75% of those who had drifted out of their lane on a single-carriageway were avoiding a damaged road surface.

The majority of cases were the result of swerving to avoid potholes, puddles and other obstructions in the road, but 17% admitted trying to take a ‘racing line’, risking a head-on collision to make their journey quicker. 14% of motorists blamed distractions caused by in-car technology for veering out of their lane, and a worrying 10% said they had experienced a moment of ‘micro-sleep’ and lost control of their vehicle.

The survey, conducted by Select Car Leasing, found that 23% of motorists had noticed an increase in other drivers driving into their lane or crossing the lane division, while 21% admitted to doing it themselves.

Company director of Select Car Leasing, Mark Tongue, said: “When you think of ‘road hogging’, you immediately think of those who sit in the middle lane of the motorway, causing a backlog and mayhem behind them

“But our research shows a growing trend for motorists to also hog lanes on single carriageways. By its very nature it’s incredibly dangerous to end up on the wrong side of the road with a flow of traffic coming towards you.

“Whether it’s pot holes, cutting the corner, trying to take a ‘racing line’, or pure laziness, there’s never an excuse to drift from your side of the road unless it’s a planned overtaking manoeuvre. You might think you’re being clever by taking a better line, or that a momentary lapse won’t matter, but ask the emergency services and they’ll tell you these bad driving habits can have devastating effects.

“We’d urge motorists to make all efforts to stay on their own side of the road to reduce the risk of collision.”

While not a specific offence, if caught driving on the wrong side of the road by police, you may risk a fine and points on your licence if you are considered to be driving without due care and attention.