Are you a backseat driver? Do you travel frequently with one? Perhaps you don’t know you are one. Well now research has revealed what are the most obvious signs of backseat driving.

Accident Advice Helpline has polled drivers across the UK to discover the most annoying traits of backseat drivers and it is no surprise that the No.1 sure sign is a passenger criticising a driver’s decision behind the wheel.

In the survey of more than 2,000 drivers, seven in 10 said there is nothing more annoying than an interfering passenger. A huge 68% of those polled said they hate being criticised for their decisions behind the wheel. Other annoyances include passengers complaining their speed is too fast (51%), passengers gasping loudly at any slight breaking movement (45%), 44% flinching when close to another vehicle and passengers complaining that the speed is too low (37%).

“You usually find backseat drivers are the people who would prefer to be in control of the car, rather than sitting in as a passenger,” said David Carter from Accident Advice Helpline.

“And if you’re someone who drives on a daily basis, it can be really hard to switch off and let someone else take control.

“Unfortunately, making comments and reacting to what is happening on the road while in the passenger seat can be a big distraction for the person driving.

“There is a higher risk of an accident or near-miss if the driver is having to fend off unhelpful feedback while trying to concentrate on the road.”

The research found that nagging partners are the most common backseat drivers, followed by mum and dad.

Top 20 signs of a backseat driver

Criticising the driver’s decisions behind the wheel
Complaining about the speed being too fast
Gasping loudly at any slight braking movement
Flinching when they feel the driver is too close to another vehicle/obstacle/wall
Complaining about the speed being too low
Saying when is a good time to leave a junction
Pressing the imaginary brake
You can’t help but advise on which lane the car should be in
You tell the driver when the traffic lights have changed to green
You insist on giving directions
Interfering with the music
Swearing at other road users
Gesticulating at other road users
Getting road rage on the driver’s behalf and swearing at other drivers
Waving ‘thanks’ at other drivers for letting you out
You read out the road signs as you pass them
Changing the heating levels
You hold your hands over your face
You close your eyes frequently when someone else is driving
You disagree with Satnav

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