Family arguments at Christmas now happen on the move

Three in ten young drivers fear that family rows are as likely to happen in the car as around the Christmas table, according to new research.

Motorists aged 18-24 admit to taking advantage of the fact their fellow family members cannot escape from a moving car in order to talk to them; for twenty per cent, an argument has got so bad that a passenger demanded the vehicle stop so that they could get out.

According to the survey by breakdown provider, the Environmental Transport Association (ETA), one in ten of the youngest motorists admitted that car journeys were one of the only times their family was together in one place.

Director of the ETA, Andrew Davis said: "We seem to spend an ever-increasing amount of time in our cars, and while family disagreements at Christmas might be as traditional as repeats on television and turkey sandwiches, rows on the road can make driving inefficient, erratic or just plain dangerous."

According to the ETA, the best way for famillies to save money, reduce their emissions and enter into the Christmas spirit is to following its green driving tips:

1. Treat fellow drivers as people - you don't shout at someone in the supermarket because their trolley is blocking the aisle

2. Slow down - you will find fewer vehicles in your way

3. Relax - driving smoothly reduces emissions and saves on fuel costs

More green driving tips at eta.co.uk