MARRIAGE CAN DRIVE YOU MAD...
IS there anything more fraught than driving with your spouse? Probably not, if a new survey is to be believed. Conducted by Budget Insurance among 2,000 married British drivers, it makes for startling reading, and no doubt would be mirrored in a similar study here.
One in five married Brits reckoned their partner was a dangerous driver, and 26% had refused to get in the car with a spouse in the past year because they feared for their own safety.
Men said their wives took too long to get out of junctions, drove in the wrong gear, parked too far from the kerb and braked too hard. Women said their husbands drove too fast on country lanes, tailgated, and displayed uncontrollable episodes of road rage.
Hilariously, it took on average just 28 minutes for a row to kick off, and 69% of respondents said journeys always ended in rows. The chief provocation for 10% was a trip to the supermarket, while for 5% it was a journey to visit the mother-in-law that tipped them over. Other flashpoints included trips of more than two hours, and travelling on unfamiliar roads.
On long journeys, men did most of the work, with 84% taking the wheel. Three in four men said they were better drivers than their wives, while only 43% of women thought they were better than their husbands.
Budget Insurance director Anna McEntee said: ‘Arguing about the way someone drives or shouting at them for taking a wrong turn is counterproductive, as it could be a distraction for the person behind the wheel. If you’re driving somewhere unfamiliar, check and plan your route beforehand to avoid getting lost, being late, and triggering an argument with your other half.’
Don’t think you can avoid fighting by playing your favourite tunes – 12% of women said their husbands played music too loudly and that’s another guaranteed way to start a fight!