One-quarter (24%) of motorists would drive more patiently to increase road safety, research by Venson Automotive Solutions has found.

The company's latest research is aimed at understanding drivers’ approach to road safety and was undertaken to highlight Brake Road Safety Week (November 23-29).

When asked what one thing they would do to help with road safety while driving, the top answer from the more than 100 respondents who took part in the survey was ‘be more patient' (24%), with ‘giving themselves more time for journeys’ coming second (20%).

This year’s Brake Road Safety Week asks everyone to ‘drive less, live more’, and encourages people to consider how they use the roads and to walk, cycle or use public transport instead of just jumping in the car. Encouragingly, 75% in the Venson poll said they would, occasionally, leave their car at home to cut pollution.

Driving slower in bad weather conditions was the third highest answer (15%) in the Venson research.

Sticking to the speed limit came in fourth (13%), followed by staying further back from other vehicles and paying more attention to other road users – each receiving 12% of motorists’ votes.

Giving cyclists more room when overtaking only got 1% of the vote.

Samantha Roff, managing director for Venson Automotive Solutions, said: “Brake Road Safety Week offers motorists and other road users a time to reflect on the small changes they can make to boost safety for everyone.

"It’s clear that people are willing to make some changes to help make the roads safer and cut pollution.

"Sometimes it’s the little things we do that make the biggest difference.”