Car survey on what drivers hate in others

Who drives you crazy?

Shocking news for drivers of unpopular vehicles, as motorists spell out which ones they loathe – and what it means on the road.

And the UK’s most hated drivers are… those behind the wheel of 4x4s, according to a survey by Direct Line. If you own a 4x4 vehicle, you may not know it but, as you drive along your merry way, you are being watched with suspicion and loathing by many other road users.

Even if you are the world’s most considerate driver, your very choice of vehicle marks you out for dislike, says Direct Line’s findings. More than one in seven people claims to be less courteous to someone driving a car they do not like, and the most disliked type of motorist is a 4x4 or ‘Chelsea tractor’ driver – followed by van drivers and taxi drivers.

Worryingly, one in five motorists says they would be ‘less likely’ to leave their details if they damaged a car they didn’t like in a car park.

Still, all this antipathy towards Chelsea tractors is not without some merit. A team of academics recently found that drivers of 4x4 cars were more likely to flout the rules of the road. In a survey published in the British Medical Journal, the academics found ‘Chelsea tractor’ drivers were four times more likely to drive while using a handheld mobile phone, and without a seat belt.

As if this wasn’t enough bad news for owners of 4x4s, their cars are now being physically attacked. At least 100 4x4 vehicles have recently had their tyres slashed by eco-activists in Manchester. The activists left a note each time, blaming the cars for contributing to climate change and intimidating other road users.

Whatever type of vehicle you have, check out Direct Line for great deals on car insurance.

Related information

• Top reasons why accidents occur
• 10 ways to a stress and accident free journey
• Combating aggressive driving