Why first-born children grow up to be the worst behind the wheel

BIG brothers and sisters are worse drivers than their younger siblings, a report claims.

A study found that older offspring are more likely to speed, get fines for motoring offences and have accidents.

Researchers say that sibling rivalry is a longstanding family issue, in particular when arguing over who is the better driver.

The report into the driving habits of 1,395 motorists by Privilege Car Insurance reveals that 89 per cent of eldest children speed, 35 per cent have been fined, and 47 per cent annoy other motorists by cutting them up.

Some 46 per cent admitted to hogging the middle of the road.

Not only that, but 17 per cent of first-born children said they applied make-up and 30 per cent used their mobile phone while driving, all at a higher rate than their siblings. eldest children had been involved in more minor and major accidents (20 per cent and 11 per cent) than middle (15 per cent and 7 per cent) and youngest children (13 per cent and 4 per cent).

The research also suggests that big brothers are most likely to have an accident, with 22 per cent having a minor incident and 15 per cent having a serious incident in the past five years.

At the other end of the scale, the best allround drivers on our roads are the youngest children, as just 42 per cent cut up other drivers and 36 per cent hog lanes on the motorway.

The biggest surprise though came from only children. Often known for their general selfishness, they were found to be the least likely to hog the middle or outside lane (31 per cent), or cut someone up (36 per cent).

Privilege offers a policy called DriveXpert, which involves a black box being inserted into the car which monitors how safely it is being driven.

Sensible motorists are then rewarded with lower insurance premiums.

Charlotte Fielding, head of DriveXpert, said: ‘Younger drivers with DriveXpert policies are given a score based on their safe driving ability.

‘This technology can not only encourage safe driving and reward those who do so with lower insurance premiums, but can also help siblings decide once and for all who is best behind the wheel.’