Daily London
More than three-quarters of Aussies admit to arguing with their partner, family or friends while driving.
And with the summer holiday season well under way, we can expect the heat to be rising both outside and inside the car.
Research from iSelect has revealed the most common arguments had in the car and unsurprisingly, it’s driver speed that emerged on top, closely followed by personal arguments.
Here’s the top 10 ‘carguments’
1. Driving speed (50.6 per cent)
2. Personal argument unrelated to driving (48.7 per cent)
3. Directions and navigation (48.6 per cent)
4. Backseat driving and unsolicited advice (42.9 per cent)
5. Mobile phone use while driving (40.8 per cent)
6. Unexpected traffic or road closures (39.5 per cent)
7. Parking or manoeuvres (39.4 per cent)
8. Talking when the driver wants quiet (38.9 per cent)
9. Managing kids or pets (37.6 per cent)
10. Music choice and volume (33.8 per cent)
While the list is amusing and highly relatable, it also comes with a warning.
Adrian Bennett, the general manager of general insurance at iSelect, said distraction was putting our safety at risk on the road.
“Even a momentary lapse in attention can have serious consequences.
“In fact, research shows that in crashes where inattention could be measured, about 31 per cent involved driver inattention, and distraction alone was responsible for nearly 14 per cent of all crashes,” Bennett said.
“Even more eye-opening, taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds, whether to check your phone, argue with a passenger, or deal with any other distraction, can double your risk of an accident.”
He said the holiday season was a particularly dangerous time to be on the road.
“Roads are noticeably busier over the festive season, and with many of us juggling hectic travel plans and late nights, carguments are likely to increase, and so is the risk of accidents.
“If you’re getting behind the wheel, the message is simple: stay focused.
“Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your attention on the drive so you can get where you’re going safely.”
