Spanish drivers’ five worst habits compared to British drivers, according to CEA

A study by the Club Europeo de Automovilistas or CEA (European Drivers Club) has identified five of the most problematic habits among drivers in Spain, drawing attention to behaviours that continue to pose risks on the country’s roads.

The findings outline patterns of conduct that contribute to avoidable incidents. The organisation’s assessment focuses on everyday driving practices rather than extreme offences, indicating that routine behaviour remains a significant factor in road safety.

According to the CEA, distractions at the wheel are among the most widespread issues. This includes the use of mobile phones and other in-car distractions that divert attention from the road. Even brief lapses in concentration can reduce reaction times and increase the likelihood of collisions.

Following distance and inconsistent driving

Another frequent problem is the failure to maintain a safe following distance. Drivers who travel too closely behind other vehicles have less time to respond to sudden changes in traffic conditions. The CEA recommends allowing at least a two-second gap under normal conditions, with greater spacing in adverse weather or reduced visibility.

The report also points to inconsistent driving patterns, particularly unnecessary acceleration and harsh braking. Such behaviour can create unpredictable traffic flow and increase wear on vehicles, while also heightening the risk of rear-end collisions.

Signalling and overconfidence

A lack of proper signalling is identified as a further concern. Failing to use indicators, or using them too late, limits the ability of other road users to anticipate manoeuvres. This can lead to confusion at junctions, roundabouts and when changing lanes.

Finally, the CEA highlights overconfidence as a recurring issue. Drivers who overestimate their ability may take fewer precautions, ignore safe driving practices or underestimate hazards. This attitude can undermine the effectiveness of road safety campaigns and enforcement measures.

Recommendations for safer driving

The organisation advises drivers to adopt a more measured and attentive approach. Maintaining steady speeds, planning ahead and using signals correctly are cited as practical steps to improve safety.

In particular, the emphasis on anticipation reflects a broader principle in road safety: that drivers should not only react to immediate conditions but also consider how situations may develop. This includes observing traffic patterns, monitoring other road users and adjusting behaviour accordingly.

The CEA’s guidance aligns with long-standing principles promoted by Spanish traffic authorities, including the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). Both bodies stress that small changes in everyday behaviour can have a measurable impact on accident rates.

Comparison with driving habits in the United Kingdom

Official UK data show similar concerns among British drivers. The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) reports that in the year ending March 2025, over 50 % of drivers admitted to using a mobile phone while driving at least once, including hands-free devices, while 0.4 % admitted to driving under the influence of drugs, and 5.5 % under the influence of alcohol.

UK drivers also frequently admit to speeding and breaking rules on familiar roads. Surveys by AXA UK show 26 % of drivers speed regularly, and 45 % are more likely to break traffic rules on quieter or familiar roads.

Observed UK behaviours and quirks

Observational studies in the UK show that issues with tailgating, poor signalling, lane discipline, and unnecessary braking or acceleration are commonly reported. A Direct Line Motor Insurance survey found that many drivers avoid certain manoeuvres, such as U-turns or reversing, reflecting discomfort or over caution in daily driving.

Independent surveys, including one by Which?, confirm that tailgating, failing to signal, and lane misuse are among the most frequently observed driving annoyances.

Key comparisons between Spain and the UK

The CEA’s five habits, distraction, poor following distance, inconsistent acceleration/braking, failure to signal, and overconfidence, mirror the main risks identified among UK drivers, particularly regarding mobile phone use, spacing, signalling, and driving style.

Both countries demonstrate that routine behaviours, rather than extreme offences, significantly influence road safety outcomes. In Spain, overconfidence and inconsistent braking appear more prominent, whereas in the UK, speeding and breaking rules on familiar roads are especially common.

Shared challenges and solutions

Authorities in both Spain and the UK focus on a combination of behavioural change and enforcement to improve road safety. In Spain, the DGT runs campaigns addressing distraction, speeding, and poor signalling, supported by fines and mobile checkpoints. In the UK, similar efforts include public awareness campaigns such as “Think!”, along with penalties for offences, designed to encourage safer long-term driving habits.

Technology and data-driven measures also play a growing role. Driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warnings, and emergency braking, are increasingly common in vehicles in both countries. Meanwhile, traffic cameras, sensors, and accident reports are used to identify high-risk areas, allowing authorities to target interventions effectively.

Focus on everyday conduct

The CEA’s findings remind us of  the importance of routine decision-making behind the wheel. While major offences attract attention, it is often everyday habits that shape overall safety outcomes.

By identifying common patterns, the organisation aims to encourage drivers to reflect on their own behaviour. The emphasis on simple, practical measures suggests that improvements do not necessarily require significant changes, but rather greater consistency and awareness.

As both Spanish and British authorities continue to address similar concerns, the comparison highlights a shared challenge: ensuring that drivers apply established safety principles in daily practice.