Almost 2 in 3 drivers feel safer with telematics installed, survey finds

Written by: Abaranji Sivakumar, Last updated:14th February 2022

Photo: SARINYAPINNGAM/iStock

Further evidence that telematics can improve road safety and result in better driving has emerged.

RAC Black Box Car Insurance revealed that six in ten of its customers believe that having a device fitted in their car has made them into better drivers.

Out of the 1,359 policyholders surveyed by the RAC, 62 per cent believed the telematics box and its Driver Score feature have helped them to become safer drivers.

Furthermore, 69 per cent claimed they had better awareness of what makes a safer driver, while 58 per cent said they now rarely exceed the speed limit. Additionally, 44 per cent reckoned their braking had become smoother.

Just over a quarter (26 per cent) were unsure if having a black box installed had made any difference, while only 12 per cent were convinced it had not.

“We have always argued that black box, telematics devices help make drivers safer on the road,” said RAC Insurance managing director Mark Godfrey.

“It is very encouraging to hear first-hand from motorists we surveyed that they feel the boxes and the ability to monitor their own driving behaviour has made them into safer drivers.”

He added that the policy has been proving popular with younger drivers and a high proportion of older motorists, many of whom have been driving for over 30 years.

Considerably more than half (57 per cent) said price was the deciding factor in opting for a black box, rising to 69 per cent among 29 to 44-year-olds.

Jez Strong, general manager for Tele-Gence, commented: “Telematics unlocks a wealth of benefits and it’s great to see that so many motorists appreciate that.”

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