'A tenth' of pedestrians misdirect motorists

Posted :19-11-2007

Road users in the UK may be advised to avoid asking pedestrians for directions, according to new research.

A recent study by telephone firm Orange has suggested that more than a tenth (12 per cent) misdirect lost motorists, with some purposefully sending a driver in the wrong direction.

The Press Association reports that of those giving wrong information, around half explain that they give incorrect details due to panic.

However, 27 per cent of people give inaccurate directions because they cannot be bothered to give the correct route, while a similar amount state that they do so as a display of one-upmanship.

Such practices may result in an increased risk of car insurance claims due to drivers on unfamiliar roads being less aware of their surroundings and as such more likely to be involved in a crash of some sort.

Recent research by car insurance firm Admiral suggested that households with two or more cars are 22 per cent less likely to be involved in an accident than those with only one.


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