Drivers are stressed out, but could be calmer with soothing music and shoving the smartphone in the glovebox, says a new survey from Nissan highlighting the most common causes of stress between drivers and passengers on a car journey.
The study discovered that unsafe driving and mobile phone usage are the leading causes of in-car arguments for European motorists. 45% identified using the phone or texting while driving as the principal reason for disputes between occupants. Meanwhile, 39% identified dangerous overtaking as the biggest cause and more than a third of motorists pinpointing last-minute braking (35%) as the top culprits.
European motorists’ top five causes of in-car arguments:
- Using the phone while driving/texting while driving (45%)
- Dangerous overtaking (39%)
- Last-minute braking (35%)
- Sudden or harsh braking unnecessarily (33%)
- Tailgating (32%)
“Nissan is committed to helping drivers and passengers alike feel safe, comfortable and happy on the road. Offering advanced driving assistance features, seamless connectivity and a premium-feel interior, the Nissan JUKE makes the driving experience both entertaining and relaxing for everyone on-board,” Arnaud Charpentier added.
As well as being the chief causes of in-car friction, unsafe driving and mobile phone usage have an even wider impact for the on-road experience. Nearly three-quarters [72%] of the survey participants state that using the phone while driving or texting behind the wheel are together the worst driving habits and a large source of stress between drivers and passengers.
Motorists value good tunes above nearly all else for great car journeys
In addition to the top causes of tension on the road, the research also sheds light on what European motorists favour for an enjoyable, stress-free journey.
Safe driving (59%) and good music (55%) are the order of the day for European drivers, with these identified as the most important ingredients for enhancing enjoyment behind the wheel.
Even when being driven by others, half (50%) of European motorists prioritise music as the top way of putting the joy into the journey, as 32% state that agreement on music choices is one of the most important. Coming ahead of finding a good parking spot (24%), top tunes are prized over practicality for European drivers. IE’s top tip is provide earbuds or headphones for passengers, it’s a brilliant way to shut them up.
The technological wish-list revealed
European drivers crave multiple aspects of in-vehicle technology to help them behind the wheel; advanced safety features (39%), navigation technology (39%), hands-free mobile phone functionality (36%) and smartphone connectivity (35%) proved to be the most popular for making car journeys more enjoyable.
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