Car insurance provider Norwich Union says that driver distraction is a major factor in premiums-boosting crashes.
Three-fifths of British motorists find "annoying" passengers a major distraction, according to a report from the car insurance experts.
Furthermore, eight per cent of those asked said that a passenger had been a factor in accident that they had previously had.
Screaming children, a nagging mother-in-law and a complaining spouse were also singled out by motorists as being particularly annoying, with ten per cent admitting that they had shouted at passengers while driving.
Nigel Bartram, from Norwich Union, said: "Many drivers don't realise the impact passengers can have on their driving skills and concentration.
"Not only can these distractions be a cause of annoyance, they also have the potential to cause a road accident."
Regional variations were also detected by Norwich Union - with drivers in the South West found to be the worst-tempered, and those in the North West the most easily distracted.
|