Skip to main content

Passengers’ pestering proves distracting for drivers

A survey of drivers carried out in the UK reveals that a significant portion believe their spouse to be their most annoying passenger. This could pose a serious risk too since annoying passengers can provide a major distraction to drivers. The survey, carried out by car leasing firm OSV said that 43% of male drivers and 41% of female drivers found their spouse to be the most annoying passenger. The survey also found that around 65% of motorists admit to regularly arguing in their car. Other annoying passeng
January 4, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
A survey of drivers carried out in the UK reveals that a significant portion believe their spouse to be their most annoying passenger. This could pose a serious risk too since annoying passengers can provide a major distraction to drivers. The survey, carried out by car leasing firm OSV said that 43% of male drivers and 41% of female drivers found their spouse to be the most annoying passenger. The survey also found that around 65% of motorists admit to regularly arguing in their car. Other annoying passengers include children (16%) and siblings (11%).

Almost one in seven UK drivers admitted that passengers eating gets on their nerves, although being a backseat driver is considered the most common irritating characteristic. Other passenger gripes include; playing with the radio, asking for toilet breaks and not wearing a seatbelt.

Co-Founder of OSV Ltd, Debbie Kirkley said: “If a driver becomes annoyed or stressed out because of a passenger, they may become distracted. As we are all aware, being distracted increases our chances of being involved in an accident and in order to prevent this, we suggest you tell a passenger how you feel before setting off on a car journey.”

Related Content

  • Drowsy driving dangers for road users
    November 2, 2018
    Up to 25% of fatal road crashes in the UK are caused by drowsy driving. This is the result of research carried out jointly by the AA Charitable Trust. The research suggests that men and young drivers are most likely to be at risk from drowsy driving. Meanwhile the research shows that 13% of UK drivers admit falling asleep at the wheel. And 37% say they have been so tired they have been scared they would fall asleep when driving. The latest road casualty statistics show drowsy drivers contributed to 53 fat
  • Driver distraction dangers in focus
    April 30, 2024
    Driver distraction dangers are in focus in the US.
  • Distracted driving a problem in the UK
    July 22, 2015
    New research by the UK’s Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) reveals the high risk of distracted driving. Many drivers are using their phones and tablets to take selfies, make video calls and watch videos while at the wheel according to the report. The findings come from research commissioned this month exclusively by the IAM, which asked 500 drivers how they use their smartphones and tablets in the car.
  • Survey reveals inattention as colossal car crash cause
    July 8, 2014
    A new survey of car crashes cites inattention as the leading cause. The study was carried out by Allianz Global Assistance and the Allianz technical centre and focussed on driver behaviour. The report revealed that around one third of car accidents are due to inattention, with 60% of drivers admitting that using mobile phones while driving is the leading reason for inattention. Meanwhile a further 40% of drivers admitted they talk on the phone while behind the wheel. Even more worryingly, 30% of drivers adm