Many drivers feel less confident on the road now than they did before the Covid-19 lockdown, according to AA Charitable Trust research
- 3.6 million feel more nervous driving now than before lockdown
- Millennials feel most anxious driving post-lockdown
- Drivers in Northern Ireland least confident post-lockdown
- AA Driving School offering refresher lessons to boost skills
With traffic levels gradually returning to normal, an AA/Populus poll asked drivers how they feel driving now considering other drivers’ behaviour.
The survey found one in ten (11%) feel more nervous driving around others now than before lockdown, equating to around 3.6 million drivers. While 17% feel more confident getting on the road post-lockdown.
Overall, 15% of women said they feel more nervous driving now compared to less than one in ten men (9%).
Interestingly millennials (aged 25-34) topped the polls for feeling the most nervous, alongside drivers aged 35-44 years old (both 13%).
Edmund King, AA Charitable Trust director says, “It’s not surprising that some driving skills are rusty after being cooped up at home for a long period.
“Roadworks and closures can make some familiar routes confusing and put some nervous drivers off getting back into their routine. Added to which, we all got used to quieter roads during lockdown and the change back to busier roads might feel intimidating for some. But it’s important for people not to feel trapped at home in a self-imposed lockdown because they are feeling a bit rusty behind the wheel.
“Lots of drivers take refresher lessons to brush up their skills. It’ amazing how just a couple of hours can improve someone’s confidence and competence.”
