In-car rows start when drivers lose the place

THE majority of in-car rows erupt over disagreements about map reading and following directions, a new report showed yesterday.

Car journeys that begin peacefully frequently turn into bitter quarrels as motorists and their passengers fall out with each other as they get lost on their way to their destination, according to the latest research.

The survey of over 2,200 Britons by car accessories retailer Halfords reveals that more than one in three of us argue about where we are going and how to get there.

Almost two thirds - 65 per cent - say that disagreements flare up as a result of their partner's poor navigation. Eighty per cent of women complained their partners never checked the route before setting off compared with 65 per cent of men, while 85 per cent said that they argued because the driver refused to ask directions

The next big cause of car rows are on-going family squabbles, that continue in the car after leaving home. Third, is the traditional problem of children complaining about the time the trip was taking. Fourth is the way the driver was driving the vehicle, after which came the actions of other drivers, road conditions such as traffic jams and then the choice of music.

One in seven arguments - 13 per cent - is with parents of the driver and one in eight - 12 per cent - with the children.

Nearly 70 per cent of people questioned admit to a quarrel in their cars at least once a month and almost one in five - 18 per cent - said they argued in the car at least once a week. Only the home beat the car as a more frequent place for rows.

But the report shows that drivers and passengers recognised the dangers of in car disputes.

One in four fears it could distract the driver and cause an accident. However, for one in three the pet hate is having to sit for the rest of the journey in angry silence next to the person we have just been arguing with.