MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - July 25, 2010) - Millions of motorists don't know the meaning of everyday road signs according to research by Swinton, the UK's leading high street retailer of car insurance.

An online survey which asked 1,000 Swinton customers to identify the meaning of 8 different road signs found that just 41% of people were able to recognise a warning sign for a 'level crossing'. Last year, Network Rail reported 3,200 cases of level crossing misuse in 2008, 140 near misses between vehicles and trains, 14 crashes and 13 deaths.

Only 49% of those surveyed correctly identified the correct symbol for 'Other Danger' and merely 8% recognised the sign for 'Risk of Grounding'.

Women were the worst offenders with an average score of just 71% correct answers compared to men's 85%.

Steve Chelton, Insurer Development Manager for Swinton car insurance, said: "This survey has uncovered some rather startling results. All drivers should have comprehensive knowledge of the Highway Code and be able to recognise every single road sign, especially warning signs such as 'Level Crossing'.

"Swinton would advise everyone to brush up on their Highway Code, especially if it's a long time since taking a theory test or in the case of some older drivers, never taken one at all. The Highway Code is updated every year, so everyone should read it regularly to make sure of they are aware of any changes."

• With over 600 branches nationwide Swinton is the UK's largest high street insurance retailer

• Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and part of the community

• Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike and even classic car insurance

• With a dedicated team of advisors on hand at every branch to search a panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates