Motorists could be hit with a £2,500 fine for breaking a little-known driving rule, and road users could be suffering from the issue at least “once a month”. Arguing with someone while behind the wheel is likely to be considered dangerous driving under section 2 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. This can carry a hefty £2,500 fine, with road users also at risk of being slapped with six penalty points on their licence and a 12-month driving ban.
Car sharing leads to frequent arguments
New data from Cazoo has revealed that almost half (48%) of those sharing a car say it leads to arguments or bickering. The figures reveal that more than a quarter (26%) said that arguing over car sharing happens at least once a month. As well as sharing a ride to work, many are sharing their entire vehicles with others, with one person driving the car for a part of the week and someone else using it for the rest of the time.
According to the survey of 1,500 individuals, this can lead to extra frustration, with 24% of respondents annoyed by the other individual leaving the driver's seat in the wrong position. The poll found that leaving the car messy (22%), never cleaning it (20%) and returning it with an almost-empty fuel tank (19%) also led to confrontation. Someone else adjusting the car mirrors and not putting them back also sparked anger, with 18% of respondents admitting this led to bickering.
Experts advise setting ground rules
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Katherine Cavallo, Family and Couple Psychotherapist said: "The day-to-day frustrations that arise when families share a car are rarely just about the practical issue itself. Whether it's disagreements over fuel or returning the car on time, these seemingly minor irritations often reflect wider perceptions of equity, power and fairness."
The data shows that often tension can start before a car even reaches the driveway, with debates over the size of a vehicle, how much it cost, the amount of boot space and safety features. Charlie Harvey, Motoring Expert at Cazoo told Express.co.uk: “When choosing a shared car, it's worth thinking beyond the purchase price. The right car isn't necessarily the biggest or most expensive – it's the one that strikes the best middle ground for everyone who drives it, from practicality and running costs to reliability and safety technology."
Katherine stressed that road users should try and avoid confrontation by setting “clear agreements” before agreeing to any arrangements. She said: “To help avoid arguments, discuss expectations and agree on some ground rules before sharing a car. Whether that's the big discussions around sharing costs or the smaller points around eating in the car, a few clear agreements early on can prevent unnecessary frustration later."
