ITALIANS may be famed for their hot and fiery temperament. But it's cool-mannered Brits who need to exercise more caution behind the wheel.

In a poll involving 1,000 motorists from each of the five European countries of the UK, Germany, Spain, France and Italy, drivers were asked to nominate the worst drivers in Europe.

The survey, by motor insurer, Direct Line revealed that Italy topped the table receiving 36 per cent of the votes.

However, scientific examination says that UK should rightly receive the accolade, as there are more accidents per head in the UK than any of the other countries questioned.

Britons came well down the league table of reputedly bad drivers coming in at number six. But not so in France, whose reputation as the second worst drivers in Europe is in no way born out by figures. French drivers have less than half the number of accidents of Brits.

Speed was unanimously named as the biggest failing of dangerous motorists accounting for 25 per cent. That was closely followed closely by erratic driving at 18 per cent.

The title of best driver was awarded to precise and efficient German motorists who gained 27 per cent of the vote. But according to statistics, they have the second highest accident rate of the European countries questioned.

Long hours may have a significant effect to explaining the UK's accident rate. Research by the insurer shows that UK drivers spend more time on the road than any other European motorists, an average of 8.5 hours a week compared to a European average of 7.5 hours.

Direct Line motor business manager Steve Treloar said: "We've got a long way to go to improve driving conditions in the UK. I think the finding that we have one of the worst accident rates in Europe is going to come as a surprise to many motorists, but concentration is key to safe driving in the UK.

"Long periods behind the wheel can often result in fatigue or loss of concentration. The commute to and from work is especially dangerous, because we know the route and don't keep our mind on the road ahead."

Britons are more likely to drive to work than any other country. Neatly two-thirds of us jump in our car for the commute compared to a European average of 57 per cent.