Taxi drivers and anyone who earns their living on the roads has pretty much seen it all – the good, the bad, the ugly and the ridiculous.
Whether it is using mobile phones while driving, middle-land hoggers, road rage, bad manners or speeding, there aren’t many things other drivers could do that would surprise professional drivers.
But there are plenty of bad motoring habits that drive them up the wall, and here are the nine worst, compiled by insurance comparison website confused.com.
Topping the list of the 2,000 drivers surveyed was tailgating, which annoyed 59%.
While there are different ways to deal with the problem, confused.com recommends simply letting them pass. While we might be tempted to put on our brakes, this could be dangerous and may only inflame the situation. If the driver behind is driving aggressively, this could be dangerous driving and should be reported to police, including any dash-cam footage.
The second biggest pet hate is drivers who don’t indicate or don’t indicate correctly, which annoyed 55% of motorists surveyed.
Sometimes not signaling can be a simple lapse of concentration. It can be seen as careless or inconsiderate driving and if someone causes an accident because they didn’t signal, they could face points on their licence, a driving ban or be charged with a more serious offence.
Throwing litter out of a car window is third on the list with 53% of motorists. While they might feel tempted to give it back to the offending driver, there might be sharp or dangerous objects in it, or it could lead to an unnecessary confrontation.
The advice is to report littering or fly-tipping on the GOV.UK reporting tool. Motorists can get a fine of up to £100 for littering from their car.
Poor parking is another major gripe for 52% of drivers, especially if someone has parked over more than one space or is blocking in another driver. The action you can take largely depends where the vehicle is parked. If it is public roads, such as on zig-zag lines or blocking access for emergency vehicles, this can be reported to police.
Cases in which a vehicle blocks a driveway and parking on the pavement are civil matters and should be reported to the local council.
Supermarkets and shopping centres are privately owned and bad parking should be reported to staff or a parking attendant.
Drivers who carry out manoueuvres such as changing lanes without warning annoy 49% of other road users. The most important thing is to take action to avoid a collision. If they are driving dangerously, it should be reported to police. If they do cause an accident, they could be charged with dangerous driving and receive an unlimited fine, up to 11 points on their licence and even a prison sentence.
Another dangerous manoeuvre is drivers who undercut (41%). As with tailgaters, the advice is to let them pass. Reacting by flashing lights or beeping the horn will probably just make the situation worse. If the driver is driving dangerously, they should be reported to the police.
Motorway middle-lane hoggers annoy 40% of other motorists. Again, there’s not much that can be done to stop it, even though they are breaking the Highway Code and can lead to a fixed penalty if spotted by police.
Drivers who use their phone when they’re stopped in traffic or driving irritate 36% of motorists. Drivers who are using their mobile phone while driving should be reported to police and face a minimum £200 fine and six penalty points.
Disturbing others with excessively loud exhausts was mentioned by 34% of motorists who can report noisy vehicles to the council. Noise limits also apply to tyres.
The same number of motorists were annoyed by drivers who don’t thank you if you let them out.
What are your worst motoring habits?
Information correct at time of publication. Information provided within this article may have changed over time. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by John Patons Insurance Services or any of its employees.