Phones topple tailgating as most hated driving habit

THERE’S a new ‘hate’ at the top of drivers’ lists, after a study from Kwik Fit showed that using a phone at the wheel has overtaken the long-standing bad habit of tailgating.

Talking or texting while driving is hated by 47% of drivers, according to the research; comfortably ahead of tailgating on 42%. It’s the first time that following too closely has been knocked off its seriously irritating perch in years.

Drivers were asked what bad driving habits they hated. The top five was rounded out by failing to indicate (35% of people), ‘dangerous overtaking’ (30%) and middle lane hoggers (26%).

There’s something of an age divide concerning mobile phone use, though. In the over-65 age group, 69% put this as their most hated habit, but that figure fell to 38% among those aged 18-24.

Roger Griggs, director of communications at Kwik Fit, commented: “These driving habits aren’t just annoying, they are dangerous and some of them against the law.

“You’re four times more likely to have an accident if you use a mobile while driving, in addition to the frustration it causes for fellow motorists.

“And with on-the-spot penalties for motorists who hog the middle lane, tailgate or cut up other vehicles being introduced last year, it highlights just how seriously these anti-social driving behaviours are being taken.”

Britain's top 10 most hated driving habits and the proportions of drivers who hate them:

:: Using a mobile handset to talk/text - 47%

:: Tailgating - 42%

:: Failing to indicate - 35%

:: Dangerous overtaking - 30%

:: Middle lane cruisers - 26%

:: Last minute braking - 23%

:: Undertaking - 19%

:: Hesitant driving - 12%

:: Being slow away from traffic lights - 12%

:: Jumping the lights - 10%

By Press Association reporter