Whether you agreed to drive your friends on a road trip, or signed up to carpool to save money – most drivers have encountered an annoying passenger at some point.
A new study that investigated the most annoying passenger tendencies has revealed the five most irritating things people do while being driven around.
In a focus group of 30 people who car-share, bad credit car finance provider, Go Car Credit revealed what irks drivers the most.
And most motorists won’t be shocked to find backseat drivers come out on top, with 50% of respondents claiming it was the most irritating habit.
A new study has revealed the most annoying passenger habits. From backseat driving to argumentative passengers, how many are you guilty of?
Gasping loudly when the driver breaks, complaining about speed and pressing an imaginary brake pedal when the car suddenly stops are among the signs you’re a backseat driver.
So think twice the next time you feel the urge to offer some unsolicited driving advice, as most motorists will be unimpressed.
Those who argue with the driver took second place, with 20 per cent of those in the study agreeing they were irritated by argumentative passengers as it can put them in a very difficult position.
If drivers are distracted by an argument they could lose concentration and may be fined for driving without due care and attention.
Another distracting habit is passengers watching social media on their phone with the sound turned on, and 10 per cent of the drivers admitted to being rattled by the habit.
Those surveyed agreed that backseat drivers were by far the most infuriating passengers, but many were thrown off by other irritating habits such as passengers falling asleep
According to the results: ‘This can be distracting for the driver and it also can make the car noisy, especially if the radio is on.’
On the other hand, being too quiet may make the journey feel longer as 10 per cent of those surveyed admitted to being annoyed by passengers who fall asleep.
The final habit which annoys just 10% of drivers is blocking mirrors when you’re trying to drive.
One driver said: ‘It’s frustrating when the wing mirror is blocked by a passenger, especially when trying to turn a corner or reverse!’
Hayley O’Connor, Head of Marketing at Go Car Credit commented: ‘Company in the car is great for journeys, however, a passenger that you really don’t want can turn a pleasant drive into a tedious task for even the most courteous of drivers.’
Alternatively, the study revealed what the dream car passenger looked like and an overwhelming 70 per cent said it was someone who had ‘good conversation’ but ‘doesn’t distract’ them while driving.
Passengers who don’t make a mess, help positively with directions and don’t distract the driver made up the other 30 per cent.
