A new survey by car insurance giant Admiral has revealed that the majority of parents find driving with their children in the car stressful and often a major distraction.

Of those questioned, 73 per cent said that the most problematic aspect of driving with children in the car was that they were easily bored and as a consequence they would have to spend time entertaining the children as well as driving the car.

34 per cent of parents said that they felt anxious before setting off on a journey with their children while 35 per cent said that they had been distracted by having their children in the car. 2 per cent of parents said that this distraction had almost caused an accident.

The study found that it was between 20 and 40 minutes into the journey that children started getting bored and becoming a possible distraction for the driver.

Admiral car insurance sought the advice of clinical psychologist and parenting expert Dr Claire Halsey to find out how to make travelling with children more enjoyable. Dr Halsey suggested that preparation is the key.

"Whether you're taking the family out for a day trip or travelling to your holiday destination every parent wants the drive to be a pleasant start to the summer break. Increase the chance of a peaceful ride by organising plenty to entertain, schedule lots of breaks in the journey and agree a clear set of rules and rewards for good behaviour."

Admiral's survey also revealed that I Spy and Twenty Questions were the most popular in car games for the family and that over a quarter of parents bribe their children with toys and sweets for good behaviour in the car.

Based on the results of their survey, Admiral have put together a Podcast for parents and children, which will hopefully make long journeys more enjoyable for everyone involved.