Mobile phone use overtakes tailgating as nation’s most hated driving habit
Tailgating, previously the number one most hated habit among motorists when Kwik Fit conducted the study in 2010, now takes second place, cited by 42% of drivers as their motoring pet hate. Failing to indicate (35%), dangerous over-taking (30%) and middle lane cruisers (26%) complete the top five.
Drivers using their phone appears to be more of a nuisance to older motorists than younger ones, with 62% of over 65s citing this as their main motoring complaint, compared to just 38% of those aged 18-24.
BRITAIN’S TOP TEN MOST HATED ROAD HABITS
|
This driving habit: |
…is hated by this proportion of drivers: |
|
Using a mobile handset to talk/text |
47% |
|
Tailgating |
42% |
|
Failing to indicate |
35% |
|
Dangerous overtaking |
30% |
|
Middle lane cruisers |
26% |
|
Last minute braking |
23% |
|
Undertaking |
19% |
|
Hesitant driving |
12% |
|
Being slow away from traffic lights |
12% |
|
Jumping the lights |
10% |
Roger Griggs, director of communications at Kwik Fit, commented: ‘These driving habits aren’t just annoying, they are dangerous and some of them against the law. You’re four times more likely to have an accident if you use a mobile while driving2, in addition to the frustration it causes for fellow motorists. And with on-the-spot penalties for motorists who hog the middle lane, tailgate or cut up other vehicles being introduced last year, it highlights just how serious these anti-social driving behaviours are being taken.’
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
