Public Servant Lifestyle

Naughty children, backseat drivers and barking dogs are driving three in five motorists to distraction and putting lives at risk, according to new research.

The research - carried out by UK insurer Norwich Union - highlights the effect dangerous passengers can have on the nation’s driving skills, with 19% saying that one annoying passenger is enough to cause them to lose concentration.

Other highlights from the report include:

Nearly one in ten drivers (8%) who have been involved in an accident say a passenger was to blame

One in four drivers have taken their eyes off the road because of a distracting passenger

More than one in three say they have lost their concentration because of a distracting passenger

The study identifies British motorists’ most ‘perilous passengers’:

1. Screaming children and crying babies
2. Children fighting
3. Backseat drivers
4. Barking and/or excited dogs
5. Passengers who constantly change the music, or fiddle with the temperature controls

It is not just lapses in concentration that are endangering driver and passenger safety. One in ten drivers admit that they have lost their temper and shouted at passengers for distracting them, with the South West home to the most hot-tempered drivers in the UK. Drivers in the North West are most likely to take their eyes off the road because of a distracting passenger, while Londoners are four times more likely to be distracted by a passenger than those living in the South West.

Nigel Bartram, motor underwriting manager, Norwich Union says: “Many drivers don’t realise the impact passengers can have on their driving skills and concentration. Not only can these distractions be a cause of annoyance, they also have the potential to cause a road accident.

In-Car Etiquette

“Our advice is if you are finding a passenger’s behaviour distracting, find a safe spot and pull over and do not start driving until the situation is under control.”

Here are Norwich Union Insurance’s top tips on how you can keep distracting passengers at bay and have a safe, distraction-free journey:

Agree your in-car etiquette. Speak to all your passengers before the trip and outline the dos and don’ts for the journey, and remind them how dangerous it can be to distract the driver

Plan regular breaks. This will not only be a welcome opportunity for passengers to stretch their legs, but will be an opportunity for you to rest, re-energise and refocus on the journey ahead

Keep them entertained. If you are driving a long distance, make sure you pack travel games and books to keep young children entertained. For older children and adults it may also be worth creating a music play list before you set off that all passengers can enjoy, to avoid any disagreements about the music

Keep them comfortable. Take cushions and blankets to encourage napping

Get them used to travelling. If your dog isn't accustomed to car travel, break him or her in gradually well in advance of the trip by taking short trips in your car

Stay composed and focused. Some motorists find adding a few drops of lavender oils to your car seat can help to ease stress

*ICM research interviewed 744 British drivers between 2 and 5 August 2007. PSP Ltd is not responsible for the contents of external websites.

More information available in Insurance, On The Road, Commuting, Holidays, Vehicle Hire