Couples driving each other mad

Forget the credit crunch or what to watch on TV; one of the most common causes of arguments between British couples is what goes on behind the steering wheel.

New research from easyCar.com reveals more than a third (37 per cent) of couples argue when driving abroad. Driving arguments are second only to couples’ quarrels over money (41 per cent).

But it’s not all bad news for UK motorists, according to leading psychologist David Moxon, we simply need to recognise our driving habits and adapt them accordingly.

Our motoring traits become more pronounced when driving on unfamiliar foreign roads and the top driving irritants for our loved ones are poor map reading (48 per cent), driving too fast (28 per cent) and not understanding foreign road signs (21 per cent).

Psychologist David Moxon has identified four key types of UK drivers when abroad: the Planners which make up 38 per cent of the population, the SatNavvies (36 per cent), the Freewheelers (14 per cent), and the Road Signers (12 per cent).

The most frequent driving type is the Planner. Drivers in this category like to organise all routes in advance of heading abroad, often using three different advisor sites to plan their journey down to the last comfort break. This approach leads to significantly less disagreements with just half (54 per cent) arguing with their passengers.

If you find yourself stuck with a planner, you can rest assured you’re in safe hands as they’re the most likely of all types to end safely and a prescribed destination.

SatNavvies are characterised by their reliance on the shiny piece of equipment adorning their dashboards. So attached are they to this piece of electronic wizardry, they are unlikely to believe it’s capable of any inaccuracy until they’re bonnet down in a ditch.

The downfall of this type is that seven in 10 (69 per cent) end up arguing with their passengers when driving abroad because they believe the machine is all-knowing. The number one tip for partners of SatNavvies is to relax and enjoy the ride, not a lot can be done to fight the machine.

The third largest driving type is the Freewheeler (14 per cent). This type drives through natural instinct alone, not bothering with the hassle of maps or SatNavs, they trust they will instinctively know which way to turn when they come to that all-important crossroad.

It may be a great life philosophy, but one in two (54 per cent) Freewheelers still end up in driving disputes. Top tip: miraculously discover a map in the glove-box.

The final and smallest group is the Road Signer (12 per cent). These drivers are impatient to start on their adventure. They dismiss map reading and shun SatNav in favour of relying heavily on road signs, regardless of whether they can actually understand them.

Unfortunately this is not the most diplomatic approach and like the SatNavvies, seven in 10 Road Signers end up quarrelling behind the wheel. The top tip dealing with this type is to research the route in advance so you can gently guide in the absence of road signs.

Bill Jones, CEO of easyCar.com, said: “A driving holiday is the best way to get off the well-trod tourist path and do some exciting trail-blazing of your own.

“A bit of forward planning can help make sure your road trip is stress-free and we’ve compiled our top tips to make sure it’s as lovely inside the car as it is outside.”

easyCar.com’s tips to driving happily ever after:

1. Listen to music you both like – it’s hard to argue to your favourite tunes
2. Share the driving – only be critical if you fully appreciate the situation
3. Be confident and ask locals for directions – it’s one of the best ways to discover hidden gems
4. Be flexible in your route – if you go the wrong way embrace the new sights you can take in
5. Don’t rush –you’re on holiday.