FROM speeding to selfies, a new study has revealed some of the worst habits of drivers in Wales.

Research shows that much of what is taught to pass the driving test is forgotten by more than over a quarter of drivers in Wales within a week of them tearing up their ‘L’ plates. Speed, braking and motorway driving continue to be the main themes of bad driving, but social media is now playing a role in bad driving behaviours.

The research, carried out by The Co-operative Insurance, revealed modern distractions are now entering into driver behaviours. Nationally, the research highlights, over more than one in 50 drivers have updated social media feeds, taken selfies or recorded videos while driving.

And the 25-34 age group are the most socially active in their vehicles, with almost one in 10 admitting to updating their statuses and over more than one in 20 taking selfies.

Despite over more than half (54 per cent) of drivers in Wales classing their driving as at least ‘very good’, 31 per cent of drivers display bad speeding behaviours within a week of passing their test, with 17 per cent breaking speed limits within 24 hours of becoming a legal driver. Of the drivers who speed, two fifths (42 per cent) admit to regularly breaking the limit by five per cent, 18 per cent regularly break the speed limit by 10 per cent and 16 per cent of drivers regularly exceed the speed limit by 20 per cent.

The research also looked at motorway driving, where drivers admitted to speeding. and middle lane hogging.

Steve Kerrigan, head of telematics at The Co-operative Insurance, said: “There is an understanding from drivers themselves that they generally have adopted bad driving behaviours. However, rather than simply acknowledge it they need to take action to drive safely for the benefit of other road users and the public.”