Backseat drivers can be infuriating.
From comments on speed to notes on people crossing the road, a passenger offering ‘advice’ usually results in a driver shouting: ‘Do you want to drive?!’
We’ve all been there.
But new research says these vocal passengers could actually help certain people at the wheel.
A new study has found backseat drivers could help reduce accidents for drivers over the age of 24.
The study’s co-author Samuel Charlton, a professor of psychology at the University of Waikato, said: ‘There’s this perception out there that passengers can be distracting, nagging and so-forth, but after the age of 24 having a passenger in your car actually decreases the chance you’re going to have a crash.
‘Having a passenger look out the left hand window and telling you whether it’s clear to go or not is very helpful.’
The research stressed that tone was incredibly important when addressing a driver and that finding fault in someone’s driving is never good (after all, no driver with a valid licence wants criticism on their driving – particularly from someone who hasn’t passed their test).
Professor Carlton adds that it’s important to have a conversation before the car journey, to see if there’s anything the driver might need help with – for example, blind spots and parking.
He also said unwrapping or handing a driver food can be helpful – although this should be done safely and cautiously.
A survey conducted back in 2018 revealed that 70% of Brits found backseat drivers annoying, with many stating their partners were the worst offenders.
What’s more, around 10% of people admitted to getting into arguments due to comments made from a passenger, and 5% said they had accidentally jumped a red light during an argument with a backseat driver.
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