The biggest motoring irritations are revealed in a new survey from iCarhireinsurance.com, a leading provider of independent car hire excess reimbursement insurance. More than half of UK drivers (54%) admit they are “frequently frustrated” by other road users, 41% are rarely frustrated, 4% say they’re always frustrated - and only 1% claim they’re never frustrated, according to the poll of 958 motorists.
The nation’s single biggest gripe? Potholes. With two-thirds of drivers (65%) finding them frustrating, more than any other motoring irritation.
Top 10 Biggest Frustrations for Drivers
- Potholes – 65%
- Drivers that don’t indicate – 60%
- Cars overtaking on blind bends – 56%
- Motorway middle lane hoggers – 52%
- Other drivers on their phones – 43%
- Tailgating – 41%
- Constant travel disruption (traffic lights, roadworks, repairs, etc.) – 38%
- Getting cut up by another driver – 38%
- Cars driving too fast – 35%
- Last-minute lane changers at closures – 31%
Other Findings
- Politeness matters: More than a quarter (27%) said a lack of courtesy, such as not letting others out at junctions, frustrates them. Nearly one in four (24%) are also irritated when drivers fail to say thank you.
- Parking pains: One in five (20%) hate small parking spaces, 11% dislike it when someone parks right next to them in an otherwise empty car park and 5% get upset when another driver steals their parking space.
- Driving discos: 14% are annoyed by drivers blasting loud music.
- Kindness counts: Fewer than 1% of drivers are irritated by learner drivers or slow pedestrians at zebra crossings.
Ben Wooltorton at iCarhireinsurance.com said: “With two-thirds of drivers saying potholes are their biggest bugbear, it’s clear that Britain’s uneven roads are driving people round the bend. Add to that middle-lane hoggers, tailgaters and drivers who don’t indicate, and it’s no wonder so many motorists admit to being frequently frustrated.”
He continues: “The important thing is not to let these irritations boil over. Losing your cool won’t fix the roads - and could even land you in trouble. For example, blasting your horn in anger risks a £30 on-the-spot fine, as the Highway Code says it should only be used to warn of potential danger.”
