The North East has the best drivers in Britain

• The North East has the highest proportion of safe drivers in Britain
• Scotland finishes second, followed closely by the East of England
• Concern for the South of England, with the South East and South West finishing bottom

New research¹ from Direct Line DrivePlus has revealed that the North East has the best drivers in the UK. The analysis of Direct Line Car Insurance policyholders with DrivePlus, which provides motorists with feedback on their driving behaviour, saw drivers in the North East finish top when scored on safety elements such as speed, smooth acceleration and braking.

The study looked at the 10,000 policyholders across the UK with the highest scores and analysed which region had the greatest proportion of drivers in this group, in relation to the region's driving population. This revealed that the North East came top, with Scottish drivers scoring second highest, and the East of England finishing third. However, the results were less promising for drivers in the South of England, with the South West and South East finishing in 9^th and 10^th place respectively.

Figures show the percentage by which a region's drivers are more or less likely to appear in the safest 10,000 drivers when compared with the national average. Source: Direct Line DrivePlus

Paul Felton, Head of Telematics at Direct Line, said: "It's great to see that drivers in the North East are looking after their cars, other road users and themselves.

"Telematics packages such as DrivePlus can help improve a motorist's driving by providing regular feedback on driving habits whilst also raising driver awareness while they're at the wheel. This also ensures that the driver is given a premium based on their own driving record when it's time to renew their policy. This will be music to the ears of many young drivers across Britain, particularly those in the North East."

By signing up for DrivePlus motorists are able to have their driving rated on an ongoing basis. Consistently high or improving scores can lead to reductions in car insurance premiums as better driving results in a lower risk of being in an accident². Those drivers interested in DrivePlus should visit the website at: www.directline.com/car-cover/black-box

¹ Analysis of Direct Line DrivePlus telematics data, January 2016. Index ranked on the proportion of drivers by region in the top 10,000 policyholders with the best driving score across Great Britain.

² Drivers aged 17-25 will receive a discount of up to 25 per cent. These discounts are subject to change.

Chris Jarvis
PR and Comms Director
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Email: chris.jarvis@citigatedr.co.uk
Tel: 020 7282 1088

Chloe French
PR Manager
Direct Line Group
Email: chloe.french@directlinegroup.co.uk
Tel: 01651 831 715

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 878 5587 or visiting www.directline.com