Over one in five back seat passengers questioned in Cardiff complained about their driver’s speed, a poll has revealed.
As many as 88% of 24-35 year olds admit to being a backseat driver with Glasgow having the most backseat driving offenders in the UK, and Liverpool has the least.
Backseat drivers have earned their name by making irritating comments whilst being a passenger, suggesting they are the better drivers instead of the person that is actually behind the wheel.
Being preoccupied by backseat drivers can have dangerous consequences. An Accident Advice Helpline study revealed a quarter of drivers have missed a turning because of passenger distractions and that 5% accidentally jumped a red light because of an argument with an annoying passenger.
The study revealed that criticizing the drivers’ speed is for UK motorists, the most irritating thing backseat drivers do.
For both men and women, passenger’s commenting on speed is the most grating act, of which 80% of women admit to being backseat drivers in comparison to 62% of men.
Drivers in Edinburgh and Birmingham hate being given directions with 25% stating passengers insisting on giving directions was the most annoying. Many participants from cities across the UK explained that being given driving advice or being told what to do by passengers was infuriating when they’ve been driving for over 20 years.
Amongst being told what to do, drivers also complained about how irritating it is when passengers make a breaking action with their foot.
Not wanting any in-car drama, many drivers are distracted by theatrical noises that backseat drivers make, with Southampton, Liverpool and Leeds revealing this as the most annoying thing passengers do. Also irritated by theatrical comments are younger motorists who get frustrated with gasping and screeching from passengers.
Full findings and images can be found here