Partners named Britain’s worst backseat drivers, survey finds

Key takeaways

• Nearly half of UK drivers (46%) say backseat driving has made them feel stressed, distracted or pressured to drive in a way that makes them uncomfortable.

• Criticising parking, providing a running commentary on other drivers and complaining about distances between vehicles are among the most irritating passenger behaviours.

• One in 10 drivers say a passenger’s comments have contributed to a near-miss, highlighting the potential safety impact of backseat driving.

A new survey reveals the impact that ‘backseat drivers’ can have with some drivers reporting that passenger comments have caused distraction, stress and even contributed to near-misses on the road.

The survey of 1,000 UK motorists  finds that almost half of drivers (46%) say they have felt stressed, distracted or pressured by ‘backseat driving’ by their passengers.

More than a quarter (26%) of drivers say that they have felt stressed or anxious due to comments made by a passenger in their vehicle, while 23% say that a passenger’s remarks left them significantly distracted behind the wheel.

Our study highlights the impact passenger behaviour can potentially have on drivers' decisions and actions behind the wheel.

Around one in seven (13%) drivers say it has pressured them into driving in a way they weren’t comfortable with, while almost one in 10 (9%) said that comments from a passenger had contributed to a ‘near-miss’ on the road.

The most annoying backseat driver behaviours 

1. Criticising parking – 52% 

2. Giving a running commentary on other drivers' driving – 50% 

3. Complaining about the distance from other cars – 50% 

4. Gasping, flinching or bracing – 49% 

5. Criticising braking – 49% 

6. Telling the driver to speed up – 49% 

7. Questioning the need to overtake – 48% 

8. Criticising lane discipline – 48% 

9. Telling the driver to slow down – 46% 

10. Offering directions or telling the driver to ignore the satnav – 45% 

When asked to rank the most annoying backseat driving comments, motorists say that their parking being criticised is the most annoying behaviour (52%).

Passengers giving a running commentary on other drivers follows as the second most annoying habit (50%), while criticising how close the vehicle they’re in is to other cars (50%) completes the top three. 

Who is most likely to be a backseat driver?

The survey also asked drivers to rank the most distracting passengers, with partners emerging as those most likely to act as a backseat driver, with almost three in 10 (29%) motorists sharing this view. 

1. Partner – 29% 

2. Children – 22% 

3. Parents – 11% 

4. Friends – 10% 

5. Siblings – 5% 

6. Colleagues – 2% 

The passenger's etiquette guide 

To help keep the peace on Britain's roads, we've drawn up a "Passenger Highway Code", consisting of 5 rules every passenger should follow.  

Trust the driver’s judgement

They passed the test, they're in control, and they’re responsible for getting everyone there safely. 

Keep parking reviews to yourself

Wonky or not, if the car is in space, that's what counts. 

No live commentary required

The driver can see the traffic, the speed limit and the other cars without an in-car narrator. 

Save the gasps for genuine emergencies

No mild braking, normal cornering and everyday driving. 

Sit back and enjoy the ride

Unless you've been specifically recruited as navigator, hindsight advice and unsolicited instructions are best left unsaid. 

Alicia Hempsted
Insurance Expert

Don't be a distraction

While many times comments are intended to be helpful, our survey shows how much of an impact backseat driving can have on drivers.

With one in 10 drivers saying a comment has contributed to a near-miss, it goes to show that even well-intentioned advice can affect a driver’s concentration and ultimately put everyone in the vehicle at risk. 

While the driver is responsible for the vehicle, passengers also have a role to play in helping create a calm and distraction-free environment.

Unless there is an immediate safety concern that requires attention, passengers should try to save any feedback for after the journey and ensure it is delivered constructively. 

Likewise, drivers should stay focused on the road and their surroundings, even if there’s a running commentary in the background.

A little patience on both sides can help make journeys safer and less stressful for everyone involved.