Footballers, more than any other profession, are the most likely to be caught hurtling down the motorway

Footballers “in a rush to get to training” are more likely to speed the most according to a new survey.

More than a quarter of footballers are likely to speed, as are around a quarter of sales directors and surgeons, the survey found.

On the other end of the scale, astrologers and au pairs are less likely to be caught at licence-losing speeds, along with driving examiners, pathologists and school crossing wardens.

More than 20 per cent of pilots were also likely to speed in their cars.

“In a rush to get to training and keep in the good books of their manager”, explains Richard Mason of moneysupermarket, who commissioned the survey, “footballers, more than any other profession, are the most likely to be caught hurtling down the motorway.

“Perhaps the pressure of high-powered jobs causes drivers to break the limit. Higher pay cheques often mean flashier cars too, which might encourage drivers to put their foot down.”

Mason suggests the insurance industry “revisits the premiums it charges – astrologers, au pairs and driving examiners should be paying a lot less than footballers.”

Last month, we reported on footballers facing the highest insurance premiums.

Research by internet comparison site confused.com revealed a 32-year-old footballer with a maximum no claims bonus, living in London and driving a Ford Mondeo LX can expect to pay an average of £1,348 to insure his vehicle.

But a male secretary with the same profile, driving the same car, will pay just £501 on average.

“Insurers assess risk in many different ways”, explains confused.com managing director Debra Williams.

“This is why it is always vital to shop around for insurance to ensure that you are not being unfairly penalised for the driving habits of others within your profession.”