British motorists admit the behaviour of their passengers is driving them around the bend in new research by car insurance firm Admiral.
A third said they had fallen out with a passenger during a journey, while one in seven had even kicked a passenger out of their car.
Admiral questioned more than 2,000 drivers as part of its annual Survey of Motorists.
It found that for many people, having a passenger can be at best irritating and at worst dangerous.
Three quarters of those surveyed said they felt more nervous when they had a passenger in the car with them. One in nine said their life had been put at risk due to the actions of a passenger in their car.
It would seem there are a lot of annoying things a passenger can do to upset a driver, but number one is to criticise their driving. Thirty-five percent said this was the most irritating thing a passenger could do.
Other top irritations include shouting at other road users, putting their feet on the dashboard, and even breaking wind.
Admiral managing director, Sue Longthorn, said: “The relationship between a driver and passenger is quite unique.
“You have a situation with two people in the confined space of a car, with the driver having to concentrate and be in control while the passenger can be a distraction. So it’s not surprising this sometimes causes conflict.
“Whether it’s a backseat driver, an inebriated friend or a work colleague changing the radio station without asking, there are lot of ways a passenger can upset you.
“For many people a passenger has tipped them over the edge with 15% of motorists admitting they ended up kicking a passenger out of their car.
“It’s one thing being an annoying passenger, but putting the driver at risk of crashing is a much bigger problem. Whether this is on purpose or by mistake it’s important to remember the driver is in control and anything that takes his or her mind off driving could be fatal.”
Admiral also asked motorists if they preferred to drive on their own or with passengers. Only a quarter said they preferred to travel with passengers, while 43% said they would rather be on their own.
However in an age when hitchhiking has all but died out, surprisingly a quarter of those surveyed said they would be happy to pick one up and give them a lift.
Top 5 passenger annoyances
- Criticising the quality of driving – 35%
- Shouting at other road users – 10%
- Putting their feet on the dashboard – 9%
- Changing the radio station without asking – 9%
- Breaking wind – 9%