One in four drivers stressed before they start family days out

New RAC research reveals winter is the worst time of the year for ‘carguments’ breaking out between drivers and passengers

More arguments break out in the car than anywhere else as the chaos and rush to get everybody out of the house for a family day out, leaves one in four motorists ‘stressed’, before they even set off.

The RAC carried out research among 1,300 motorists* in the UK and discovered one of the most stressful aspects of a day trip was simply getting out of the house, and meant drivers were more likely to argue with partners or passengers in the car.

In fact more than half of us (54%) admit to having ‘carguments’ at this time of year no doubt due in part to the depressing winter conditions, with 15% of drivers and their passengers saying they argue in the car more than anywhere else.

Almost one in five (19%) think the act of driving itself causes them to get stressed and angry, while for 14% it’s the fact that they’re in a confined space and can’t escape when they get agitated.

Other common reasons for spats in the car include arguing over the best route to take on their journey (13%) and trying to stop kids fighting (6%). And in the majority of cases (43%), ‘carguments’ break out with partners followed then by children (10%) and parents (5%).

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “Arguments can break out between family and friends at any time, but in the winter, where journeys can be delayed or take longer as a result of having to defrost windscreens or take alternative routes, it can be particularly stressful. This means it can be far harder to concentrate fully on driving which is a real cause for concern. Passengers should also be aware of the distraction that they can create in the car.”

The RAC’s 2013 Report on Motoring asked motorists about their attitudes to a range of driving related issues, and revealed conversations with passengers (89%) still tops the list of greatest distractions, ahead of adjusting car controls or mobile phone use.

This most recent study supports this as more than half (51%) of motorists would like to prevent ‘carguments’ in the car as they find the distraction not only stressful but also very dangerous. The impact on drivers’ ability to concentrate is a major concern with one in five (21%) having experienced a fear of crashing their vehicle as a result of being involved in a heated discussion.

Williams added: “Many ‘carguments’ actually begin well before getting into the car and just get worse as a result of being in a confined space together. If you can allow more time to get everything and everyone organised before your journey you will no doubt reduce the stress level which then eases the pressure on your drive.

“At this time of year it is even more important to stay alert and focused as severe and quickly changing weather conditions can make driving far more challenging than normal.

“The message we want to get across this winter is that carrying out a few simple checks before the cold weather really sets in could prevent you having to spend hours in the freezing cold or worse.

“Some breakdowns are avoidable through maintenance and preparation, and some roadside incidents brought on by the driving conditions such as vehicles getting stuck or involved in accidents could be prevented by taking extra caution, leaving more distance behind the car in front or getting a set of winter tyres which provide greater traction on winter roads.”

For more information on driving in adverse weather conditions visit: www.rac.co.uk/advice/winter-driving/