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- On the flip side, 69% of male passengers believe they’re the ideal companion for whoever is behind the wheel (a bit of a disconnect there, wouldn’t you say.
- A surprising number of couples admit that car trips often lead to arguments – nearly one in two couples (43%) say they’ve had disagreements while on the road together.
- When it comes to driving preferences, 62% of men stated they prefer to be in the driver’s seat during a trip, while 45% consider themselves better drivers than their partners.
A recent survey of approximately 2,000 drivers has revealed the most irritating habits of car passengers. These behaviors can turn even the most peaceful drive into a stressful experience.
What makes drivers lose their cool?
Complaints about driving style, trash left on the floor and door pockets, and incorrect directions top the list of behaviors that drive motorists up the wall. The extensive survey conducted across America showed these passenger annoyances affect almost every driver at some point.
The list includes some classic irritations that many of us have experienced. Having someone change the radio station or adjust the volume without asking first ranks high among these frustrations. Other major annoyances include passengers talking loudly on their phones or watching videos at full volume while you’re trying to concentrate on the road.
Relationship dynamics in the car
The study uncovered some interesting relationship dynamics too. About 17% of women consider their partner an annoying passenger. On the flip side, 69% of male passengers believe they’re the ideal companion for whoever is behind the wheel (a bit of a disconnect there, wouldn’t you say?).
A surprising number of couples admit that car trips often lead to arguments – nearly one in two couples (43%) say they’ve had disagreements while on the road together.
When it comes to driving preferences, 62% of men stated they prefer to be in the driver’s seat during a trip, while 45% consider themselves better drivers than their partners. (No comment on whether that confidence is justified!)
Meanwhile, about two-thirds of women feel their partners make condescending comments when they’re driving, making the journey more stressful than it needs to be. In fact, 19% of women say such experiences make them think twice before getting behind the wheel again.
The top 10 most annoying passenger habits
Based on the survey results, these are the ten passenger behaviors that American drivers find most irritating:
1. Complaining about the driving
2. Putting feet up on the dashboard
3. Changing radio stations or adjusting volume without permission
4. Leaving trash in the car
5. Talking loudly on the phone
6. Watching videos at full volume
7. Adjusting the temperature without asking
8. Pressing an imaginary brake pedal
9. Shouting when they think the driver hasn’t seen something
10. Blocking the driver’s view of the side mirror
Do you recognize any of these backseat driver tendencies in yourself or your regular passengers? Next time you’re in the passenger seat, you might want to check if you’re guilty of any of these car etiquette violations.
For a smoother ride, maybe it’s worth having a conversation about passenger protocol before your next road trip. After all, the journey should be as enjoyable as the destination itself.
