Startling research aimed at determining why Russians are among the worse drivers in Europe has revealed that it can be largely attributed to a penchant for getting their ends away while behind the wheel, Mosnews reports.

Indeed, around 25 per cent of those quizzed for the Goodyear poll admitted to mobile rumpy-pumpy, and a fair percentage of those also admitted driving while drunk and chatting on the mobile, jumping red lights, eschewing the seatbelt and breaking the speed limit. Specifically, 30 per cent have driven while drunk, while 36 per cent "regularly" exceed the speed limit.

To emphasis just how dangerous driving in Russia really is, we should add that 23 per cent of locals "scold others while driving" and a whopping 60 per cent don't bother checking the condition of their tyres.

Which begs the question: just how many drunk Russians are right now receiving executive relief while making a quick call on the mobile as they approach a red light at 200mph on bald tyres to the sound of the mother-in-law in the back seat shouting: "Put your foot down, Ivan, I've got to be at bingo by 8.30."

Well, Russia is a pretty big place, so we'll leave you to do the maths. ®

Bootnote

Our correspondent Matt was rightly impressed with Mosnews's choice of accompanying photo for its article. Click here to see the still from Advanced Driving with Gillian Taylforth.

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