New research reveals top motoring irritations driving Brits around the bend
Potholes, mobile phone use and tailgating are all grinding our gears
New research from Go.Compare car insurance has revealed the biggest concerns for motorists in 2024, with potholes topping the list.*
As the last report showed there are 2.4 million reported potholes in England and Wales**, it’s no surprise that 6 in 10 people (61%) highlighted them as a top worry. Other common road obstructions like roadworks and traffic congestion were a sore spot, while people were also ticked off by tailgating and concerned about cyclists.
Over 1,700 UK drivers weighed in on their top five motoring concerns, which were as follows:
|
Concern |
% |
|
Potholes |
61% |
|
People who use their phone behind the wheel |
46% |
|
Motorists who do not indicate |
45% |
|
People who tailgate |
44% |
|
Traffic congestion |
34% |
|
Roadworks |
31% |
|
Middle lane hoggers |
28% |
|
Speeding |
25% |
|
People who don’t say thank you |
24% |
|
Cyclists |
22% |
While rising fuel costs were top of everyone’s minds in 2023 and named a top 5 worry for over half (56%)***, in 2024 potholes (61%), which can cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage to a vehicle, have taken over as the top concern.
Drivers were also worried about other motorists using their phones behind the wheel (46%) - which has been illegal since 2003. Other concerns and pet peeves included people who fail to use their indicators (45%), tailgating (44%) and middle lane hoggers (28%). A quarter of people also admitted to being irritated by drivers who fail to say thank you (24%).
Tom Banks, car spokesperson for Go.Compare, said: “Looking after our vehicles and staying safe on the road is really important, so it’s no surprise that issues which might compromise safety such as potholes, and other drivers speeding or using their phones, have been revealed as Brits top motoring concerns.
“While you can’t control the actions of other drivers, there is a lot you can do to protect yourself and your vehicle. Firstly, it’s important to stay up-to-date with your car’s servicing and maintenance, and keep it in good working order.
“Finding the right insurance policy is also important, as this will help you avoid stress and worry and get you back on the road as soon as possible if anything happens. Make sure to consider all your options and compare car insurance before you buy, as this could help lower your costs too.”
If you do hit a pothole and sustain any damage to your car, then you can find out how to report them or make a claim here: https://www.gocompare.com/car-insurance/guide/potholes/ .
And to learn more about the driving habits Brits hate, visit: https://www.gocompare.com/motoring/guides/car-complain/
Contact Information
Rubie Barker
Notes to editors
- Ends –
Notes to editors
*These findings are from a study released by Sago between April 5th and 8th, among a random selection of 2,212 of GB adults ages 18+ of which 1,779 are motorists or motorcyclists who are online panellists of Sago’s Community.
The results were weighted by age, gender, region, and ethnicity to match the population, according to Census data. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals when compared to the data tables are due to rounding. Excerpts from this release of findings should be properly attributed, with interpretation subject to clarification or correction.
**Data obtained through FOI or readily available on council websites, from date ranges varying 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2022.
***On 7th-11th April 2023, a survey of 1543 randomly selected motorists from Great Britain was undertaken by Maru Public Opinion and executed by Maru/Blue. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of +/- 2.5%. The results have been weighted by age, gender, region and social grade to match the population, according to Census data. This is to ensure the sample is representative of the entire adult population of Great Britain. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.
For further information please contact:
Lynsey Walden – lynsey.walden@gocompare.com
Kath Chadwick – Kathryn.chadwick@gocompare.com
Or you can call 02920 020360.
Keep up-to-date with GoCompare on Twitter; @Go.Compare
Notes to editors
About Go.Compare
Go.Compare is a comparison website that enables people to compare the costs and features of a wide variety of insurance policies, financial products and energy tariffs.
It does not charge people to use its services and does not accept advertising or sponsored listings, so all product comparisons are unbiased. Go.Compare makes its money through fees paid by the providers of products that appear on its various comparison services when a customer buys through the site.
When it launched in 2006, it was the first comparison site to focus on displaying policy details rather than just listing prices, with the aim of helping people to make better-informed decisions when buying their insurance. It is this approach to comparing products that secured the company an invitation to join the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) in 2008, and it is still the only comparison site to be a member of this organisation.
Go.Compare has remained dedicated to helping people choose the most appropriate products rather than just the cheapest and works with Defaqto, the independent financial researcher, to integrate additional policy information into a number of its insurance comparison services. This allows people to compare up to an extra 30 features of cover.
Go.Compare is part of Future Plc and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
More information can be found here www.gocompare.com or here https://www.futureplc.com/brands/.