• A third (32 per cent) of  UK drivers’ time in the car is unenjoyable
• Dealing with aggressive drivers is the worst aspect of driving (58 per cent)
• Missing the golden age of motoring - over a quarter (27 per cent) of drivers admit that they used to enjoy driving more than they do now
• Nearly a fifth (19 per cent) say that driving is just a means to an end
• Could new technology and the advent of driverless cars put the spark back into motoring?
   

Nostalgic motorists long for a yesteryear of drivers with manners, less traffic and ample parking. New research1 from Direct Line car insurance asked drivers how much time they enjoyed behind the wheel and found that a third (32 per cent) of the journey was unenjoyable on the average trip.

The study examined which elements of driving people disliked most and people enjoy the psychological aspects of driving far less than the practical side. More than half (58 per cent) of drivers agree that facing aggressive drivers is the most disliked aspect of driving, while being stuck in a traffic jam was listed as the second worst element (49 per cent). Road rage takes third place with 40 per cent of drivers finding an encounter of the angry kind puts a dampener on their journey. It seems that being held back from making swift progress is a theme, with getting stuck behind slow moving vehicles (34 per cent), driving during rush hour (34 per cent) following hot on road rage’s heels as a major motoring bug bear.
 

Table one: The ten aspects of driving people enjoy least

Source: Direct Line Car Insurance 2017
 

On average, people in the UK spend two hours and 17 minutes a week driving - equating to roughly 20 minutes per day. Over a quarter (27 per cent) of drivers admit that they used to enjoy driving a lot more than they do now. Just one in seven (15 per cent) love driving so much that they choose to get behind the wheel purely for the enjoyment of it, rather than because they have to.   

A fifth of drivers (19 per cent) admitted that driving is just a means to an end for them and do not expect to enjoy it. Seven per cent claim they avoid driving because they don’t enjoy it and a fifth (20 per cent) will avoid driving at specific times of the day just to reduce stress.  

Nick Reid, head of automotive technology at Direct Line Car Insurance commented: “Those who pine for a golden age of motoring may enjoy a revolution on our roads in years to come. Technology is already playing an increasing role in undertaking tasks traditionally carried out by the driver but this is set to peak if driverless cars make it onto our roads.

“Whilst it will take some time to iron out how these autonomous vehicles operate, eventually they should be in a place to alleviate many of the things that today’s motorists find unenjoyable. However, until such times, drivers must remain vigilant and considerate to others sharing the road to make it a happier and safer place for all.”

The study also found regional differences between both time spent driving and the amount of time drivers spent enjoying driving. Wales and the East Midlands are hotspots for unhappy drivers with one in eight (13 per cent) drivers not enjoying their time behind the wheel.
 

Table two: Regions that don’t enjoy the greatest proportion of their weekly drive

Source: Direct Line Car Insurance 2017
 

Despite spending fewer hours in the car on average, drivers in the capital spend the highest percentage of time per week not enjoying themselves. Conversely, those in Northern Ireland spend the most amount of time driving and spend a relatively low percentage (27 per cent) of time not enjoying themselves on a weekly basis.

To help drivers get back on the road to enjoying driving again, in-car technologies are becoming ever popular to aid drivers; examples include parking assist, rear view cameras and cruise control. The research supported this with 13 per cent of drivers saying they would enjoy it more if their cars had the technology to assist with the less enjoyable aspects of driving.
 

ENDS
 

Notes to Editor

1   Research conducted by Opinium amongst 2,005 adults, of which 1,619 (81 per cent) hold a UK driving license, between 4th and 8thMay 2017.
 

For further information, please contact:

Chloe French 

PR Manager 

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 831 715

Email: [email protected]
 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com