Experts price essentially the most annoying driving habits carried out by UK motorists
The vast majority of drivers think they display great roadside manners, but also believe others do not, with certain motoring habits being rated more annoying than others
Experts surveyed a group of UK drivers and asked which habits they found the most annoying on the roads – and the results are surprising.
Over 13,000 UK drivers were asked by the AA which habits get their road rage out in the open, and the results varied. However, while 88% of UK motorists consider themselves to be polite and well-mannered on the road, only 49% believe that other car drivers exhibit good manners. Of these drivers, at least 13% say they regret showing bad manners on the road and engaging in some of these habits highlighted.
Of these drivers, some vehicles are said to be bigger culprits than others. Many claim white van drivers are the rudest on the roads, while others think Range Rovers have a bad reputation.
Topping the list with a whopping 87% off drivers thinking it is annoying is cars leaving their headlights on full beam while driving through busy areas. These pesky lights cause reports of other drivers being dazzled, with the RAC saying two thirds of drivers are forced to slow down when faced with them.
In terms of legality, having full beam on is technically okay, but using full-beam headlights when other drivers are nearby can be considered an offence, especially if you cause another driver to become dazzled, which could lead to incidents.
A close second came in as drivers not using their indicators. 86% of the participants said they found it highly frustrating. According to the AA: “You should always indicate, but if there are no other road users or pedestrians nearby who would benefit from knowing about your intentions, then not indicating would not be considered an offence. However, if you fail to indicate and it causes an accident or collision, then that could be considered a punishable offence.”
Here’s a full list of driver’s most annoying habits:
- Driving with full beam lights on when passing other cars – 87%
- Not using their indicators – 86%
- Not pulling over for an emergency vehicle – 86%
- Not stopping at pedestrian crossings – 85%
- Not yielding the right of way – 83%
- Taking up more than one parking space – 82%
- Disregarding traffic signs – 82%
- Not respecting other road users (pedestrians/cyclists) – 79%
- Not allowing merging – 75%
- Not merging until the very last second – 74%
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