COUNTY commuters are taking unnecessary risks on the road as long journeys to and from work take their toll, according to a new survey.

Spending more time on the road is causing nearly two-thirds of people to drive dangerously, with over a third taking risks to maximise time with their family.

The research, conducted by car insurer, Zurich, is highlighted by national figures which show more than a million commuters now spend the same amount of time, or more, driving than with their loved ones.

Accident

And in the Midlands alone, the chances taken by motorists often have serious repercussions, with five per cent admitting to having had an accident and a further seven per cent, a near miss.

But the most common casualty of the rush hour is the speed limit, with two-thirds of commuters admitting to exceeding it in a bid to reduce their journey time.

A worrying 21 per cent have overtaken on the left and more than 13 per cent have driven the wrong way up a one-way street.

Even a red light is not enough to stop some, with 14 per cent confessing to driving straight through and 17 per cent to driving aggressively.

And keen to strike a work and home life balance and spend as much time with their loved ones as possible, nearly half leave home at the last minute, running late for work.