On-screen stunts `encourage speeding`

Watching thrilling stunts encourage drivers towards a dangerous culture of speeding.

London, May 01: Watching thrilling stunts in computer games, TV shows and Hollywood films encourage drivers towards a dangerous culture of speeding, according to a new report.A Co-operative Insurance survey found that high-speed movie chases and programmes such as Top Gear have built up a “cachet of excitement and glamour around speeding.”

In the survey, over one third of drivers aged 17-18 and one fourth of those in the age group of 19-21, said that they break the speed limit at least once in a single day. “Many of the most serious ­collisions are caused, or their consequences exacerbated, because of someone driving well in excess of the speed limit,” The Daily Express quoted road safety minister Jim ­Fitzpatrick as saying at the launch. He added: “Research shows that one in seven people is an extreme speeder. These people are playing Russian roulette with their lives and those of others.” The report demonstrated that a majority of people think that driving only becomes irresponsible when they break the speed limit by 10mph or even 20mph. Co-operative Insurance executive David Neave said: “We need to create the same stigma for speeding that exists now against drink-driving.” ANI