Aviva: Perilous passengers put roads at risk

Naughty children, backseat drivers and barking dogs are driving three in five motorists to distraction and putting lives at risk, according to new research.

The research highlights the effect dangerous passengers can have on the nation's driving skills, with 19% saying that one annoying passenger is enough to cause them to lose concentration.

Other highlights from the report include:

• Nearly one in 10 drivers (8%) who have been involved in an accident say a passenger was to blame

“Many drivers don't realise the impact passengers can have on their driving skills and concentration. Not only can these distractions be a cause of annoyance, they also have the potential to cause a road accident.

Nigel Bartram, motor underwriting manager, Norwich Union

• One in four drivers have taken their eyes off the road because of a distracting passenger

• More than one in three say they have lost their concentration because of a distracting passenger.

The study identifies British motorists' most "perilous passengers": Screaming children and crying babies, children fighting, backseat drivers, barking and/or excited dogs, and passengers who constantly change the music, or fiddle with the temperature controls.

Nigel Bartram, motor underwriting manager, Norwich Union said: "Many drivers don't realise the impact passengers can have on their driving skills and concentration. Not only can these distractions be a cause of annoyance, they also have the potential to cause a road accident.”