Top Pet Peeves of British Drivers Revealed

ATS Euromaster asked 2000 British drivers in its 2019 UK driver survey a series of questions about their pet peeves and what really annoys them when they drive.  

UK Drivers Pet Peeves

If you have a valid driving licence and frequently drive a car, there will have been at least a couple of times when other drivers on the road have gotten under your skin. Driving can sometimes be a testing and frustrating experience. Road conditions can sometimes be very trying and delay you in getting to your destination, and other drivers can be inconsiderate of others sharing the road. Then you have backseat drivers, who can become an annoying distraction. 

The ATS Euromaster 2019 UK driver survey revealed that 74% of drivers wouldn’t park across two spaces. 45% of drivers also find personalised number plates a waste of money. Participants used terms such as ‘tacky’ and ‘pretentious’ to describe them. 25% wouldn’t let anyone else drive their vehicle. The survey also revealed the following about drivers pet peeves by UK city:

Plymouth

63% of Plymouth drivers most hated other people drinking alcohol in their vehicle. 63% also hated other passengers putting their feet on the dash. 3% were okay with their vehicle seats being adjusted. The survey suggested the Plymouth drivers are the most picky regarding pet peeves on the road. 

Edinburgh

67% of Edinburgh drivers hated passengers putting their feet on the dashboard. 8% were okay with passengers adjusting the seats. 

Newcastle

66% of Newcastle drivers hated other people in the car putting their feet on the dashboard. 2% were okay with other passengers falling asleep on long journeys. 

Leicester

64% of drivers in Leicester hated other passengers putting their feet on the dashboard. 7% were okay with passengers falling asleep during long journeys.   

Sheffield

65% of Sheffield drivers were most annoyed at their passengers leaving rubbish in their car and putting their feet on the dashboard. 3% of drivers in Sheffield were most okay with passengers sleeping on long journeys. 

Cardiff  

64% of Cardiff drivers hate others leaving rubbish in their car, but 5% are okay with other passengers making calls to other people and falling asleep on long journeys. 

Norwich

64% of drivers in Norwich hate rubbish being left in their car, while 2% are okay about other passengers adjusting the seats and making calls to other people. 

Leeds

65% of drivers in Leeds hate passengers leaving rubbish in their car, but 5% are okay with passengers falling asleep on long journeys. 

Manchester

61% of drivers based in Manchester hate passengers putting their feet on the dashboard, but 4% are okay with passengers adjusting seats in their vehicle. 

London

59% of London drivers hate other passengers putting their feet on the dashboard, but 7% are most okay with passengers sleeping on long journeys.  

Here’s a list of other pet peeves that annoy drivers on the road…

Speeding

Ever seen a person driving as though the speed limit is more of a target and not a legal maximum? Remember that even if the maximum speed limit is 70mph, it’s not always safe to drive at that speed! Drivers should be aware that the road surface and weather conditions equally impact on their ability to stop safely. 

Not using indicators properly

Leaving your indicators on after you have joined a road or made a turn is just as aggravating as not using them at junctions and roundabouts. Not using them at roundabouts is especially dangerous. Use signals as a courtesy to other drivers, especially at busy junctions and roundabouts. 

Using a mobile phone while driving

Whether it’s checking social media, taking a phone call or sending a text, there is no excuse for using a phone while driving. Phones are a dangerous distraction that could cause an accident. Using them is illegal and will not be tolerated by authorities. 

Continuously changing lanes

People who cannot drive at a consistent speed can be highly annoying to other road users – they pass you, only to squeeze between you and the car in front of you, before slowing down. If you find it difficult to stick to a consistent speed, use cruise control. 

Tailgating

Tailgating is an irresponsible driving habit, and can cause a serious accident if you are tailgating and the car in front of you needs to stop suddenly. If you are being tailgated, find a safe place to pull over and let the tailgater pass rather than hitting your brakes. Stay calm at all times and do not resort to road rage. It is not worth causing a potential accident.