Motorists see speed as the primary cause of road accidents but are reluctant to admit speeding themselves, the RAC Report on Motoring 2002 revealed.
The report, launched today, found that 45% of motorists cited driving too fast as the main cause of accidents, with drink driving third at 9%.
However, although 71% of those questioned said "most motorists" speed on motorways, only 42% admitted doing it themselves.
On residential roads, 51% believe "most motorists" speed, but only 17% admitted it themselves.
This is contradicted by current government figures that show 60% of traffic drives above the speed limit on residential roads and 55% of motorway traffic drives above the speed limit.
Most motorists blame young drivers and elderly drivers for accidents, although company car drivers are actually the most accident prone, even when taking their high average mileage into account.
The report also found that the numbers of accidents involving elderly people were increasing, while younger motorists were becoming involved in fewer accidents.
