British drivers’ most hated things about passengers revealed – giving bad directions comes out top

BRITISH drivers’ most hated things about their passengers have been revealed – and giving bad directions has come out on top.

A survey explored the views of 2,005 UK drivers, with respondents being asked what they considered to be the best and worst traits of a passenger.

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22 percent of British drivers said giving wrong or bad directions was the most infuriating trait of the dreaded back seat driver[/caption]

And 22 percent said giving wrong or bad directions was the most infuriating trait of the dreaded backseat driver.

Nearly half (45 percent) of respondents described backseat drivers as ‘annoying’, while 33 percent referred to them as ‘controlling’.

An additional 17 percent also explained how they found them to be ‘obnoxious’.

The research also found 26 percent of Brits would agree that they were a ‘backseat driver’, an individual who expresses unwanted advice in the car.

Reasons as to why they were a ‘backseat driver’ varied, with 39 percent expressing they like to be in control and 37 percent admitting that they just couldn’t help it.

Comments from passengers were also analysed.

“There’s a car there” was found to be the most irritating phrase, boiling the blood of just over 17 percent of drivers.

Meanwhile “you should’ve gone the other way” revved up 16.2 percent of those behind the wheel.

“You’re going a bit fast” saw 15.2 percent driven up the wall.

Other annoying traits included passengers who put their feet on the dashboard (17 percent), or people who constantly change the song or radio station (16 percent).

The survey carried out by findandfundmycar.com also found the car to be responsible for a couple’s argument on average at least once a week.

Respondents also explained what makes an individual a good passenger with 52 percent of individuals expressing that it is someone who stays calm through the journey.

In addition, other positive passenger traits included people who are good with directions and who take their rubbish out with them

Debbie McKay, Commercial Director of Motor Sales, says: “Interestingly, giving bad directions was cited as the most annoying thing a passenger can do – something we are all guilty of.”

“Passenger disputes are also seen to be the cause of conflict, with over a third of Brits admitting to arguing with a ‘backseat driver’.”