Brits driven to distraction by lovers’ driving habits

As the August Bank Holiday weekend approaches, couples are destined to spend hours sitting in traffic jams together. But according to research, it may not be smooth motoring for some with a fifth of couples admitting they would dump their other half if they complained about their driving (19%).

The research, conducted by Kia Motors UK, revealed that sharing the front seat with a partner is not always a pleasant experience. Nearly two thirds (59%) said their driving abilities were regularly criticised by their partner – that’s probably because more than half of us consider ourselves to be better drivers than our significant other! (53%).

Thirteen per cent of drivers surveyed said that if they could, they would always avoid driving with their partner.

Kia Motors released the findings as Britain braces itself for the biggest driving weekend of the year, when traffic congestion is set to increase by 50% on UK roads.

The survey also uncovered some interesting comparisons between how we want our partners to behave as drivers and how we want them to behave as lovers.

Confidence is a key factor. Fifty nine per cent are looking for someone who can take control behind the wheel, whilst 35% want a partner who will wear the trousers in the relationship.

Clear communication is less of a driving factor. While 40% look for a partner who is good at talking, only 5% want their partner to be a good navigator!

Stephen Kitson, Communications Director of Kia Motors (UK) Limited said, “Spending a lot of time with a partner in a car can be stressful and it’s not surprising that it’s going to affect a relationship. If you are going to be on the road this weekend, we recommend that you share the driving and factor in plenty of stops so that you can ‘cool off’ if you need to. Why not plan the route and choose the music together before you set off, so you feel like more of a team once you get on the open road?”