We all know there are seven deadly sins; no need to tell them here. But did you know there are also seven deadly motoring sins? And you can better see them for the holidays.

According to the RAC Foundation are they are:

  • The need for speed. Speeding is the most common unsafe behaviour on UK roads and 71% of motorists are very worried about drivers lust for speed***. Tight Christmas schedules create time-pressured drivers. Realistic planning and time management is an essential ingredient for keeping this deadly sin at bay
  • Rage against the machine. 61% of drivers are very concerned about incurring the wrath of aggressive drivers on the road*** and Christmas congestion acts a red rag to bullies guilty of this year-round sin. Deep breathing and soothing Christmas carols will provide some relief for those suffering from seasonal red mist
  • Eyes bigger than the steering wheel. Britain's gluttonous behaviour has moved from the dinner table to the steering wheel. Eating at the wheel is illegal if it distracts your attention from driving, and it doubles the risk of crashing.**** To maintain a healthy Christmas appetite and to avoid the need for a January crash diet leave the nibbling to one side when you are on the road.
  • Wanting it all - without stopping.  Gadget-mania feeds this greedy "want it now - can't wait" sinful driving style. Keeping up with friends and family is essential over the party season, but driving whilst using a mobile phone quadruples the chance of being involved in a serious accident***** and texting while driving provides the greatest of all in car distractions****** making mobile phone use in cars a truly deadly sin.
  • I'll check the tyres - tomorrow: Slothful attitudes to basic car maintenance cause unnecessary breakdowns throughout the year, but can cause huge problems over the winter months. Worn tyres contribute to 10 per cent of all accidents in the wet, while the number of accidents caused by wet roads increases in winter by over 250 per cent. The porthole posse who refuse to fully demist and defrost their cars reduce their vision by up to 90% and risk serious injury to themselves and others, while winter driving without topping up the anti-freeze and the screenwash is inviting disaster.
  • Amber gamblers, belligerent bargers: Festive activity leaves road users jostling for space on crowded roads, bringing out the green eyed monster in those desperate to get through the traffic lights or get the last space in the car park. Envy can lead to an increase in red mist ragers so good planning is essential to keep high blood pressure at bay.
  • One for the road offenders: Pride in one's drinking prowess and 'life and soul of the party' status makes for a deadly concoction when taken behind the wheel. Nearly one in six deaths on UK roads involve drivers over the legal alcohol limit****** and nearly half of young drivers admit to taking to the road early in the morning after a heavy nights drinking*******. This is a deadly sin that can't be forgiven - even at Christmas.