Navigation and getting lost are a leading cause of ‘carguments’ says a survey from the AA.
Over a quarter of people surveyed (29%) also said they argued about how the car was being driven, making this the second most frequent topic.
The top five causes of arguments in the car:
1. Directions and getting lost (33%)
2. Backseat driving (29%)
3. Running late (19%)
4. Traffic (15%)
5. Life issues such as moving to a new house (14%)
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of an argument, over two in five (43%) respondents said their way of dealing with it was to continue the journey in silence.
Here’s some advice when things get heated behind the wheel
1. Don’t overreact
When arguments grow heated, it’s easy to get carried away and overreact to the situation. Taking a moment to look at things more objectively will help you to stay rational and realise if the situation is getting out of hand.
2. Focus on the road
If you’re behind the wheel, it’s extremely important not to let arguments distract you from concentrating on the road. Your main focus should always be on driving safely, so make that your top priority. Arguments can wait until later.
3. Pull over to calm down
Feelings of tension and anger can make it hard to stay focused while driving, and it can be very dangerous if an argument gets out of hand. The best course of action is to pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so and wait until things have calmed down before driving again.
4. Plan ahead
If you find that you frequently argue about the same issues, like getting lost, then planning ahead to prevent the problem could be a good solution. Try carefully planning your route ahead of time or using a sat nav to help you navigate.
5. Don’t distract the driver
Passengers also have a responsibility to make sure they aren’t doing anything to impact the driver’s ability to drive safely. Try to avoid mentioning any topics that could lead to an argument, such as criticising their driving
Nick Powell, from AA said: “Arguing with someone in a confined space like a car is never a pleasant situation – particularly when the argument is about how the car is being driven or whose fault it is that you’re lost.
“With many people preparing to set out on long road trips with their partners, friends or families as summer approaches, it’s more important than ever for both drivers and passengers to keep their cool in the car.
“Making sure to stay calm, focus on the road and plan your route thoroughly ahead of time are all great tips to avoid any in-car conflicts and enjoy a pleasant trip this summer.”
