The most annoying driving habits revealed

Published on 30 October, 2019

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Overview

I'm not in the least bit surprised - but all the more appalled - by a new piece of research which found tail-gating is the most annoying driving habit for one-in-five (20pc) motorists.

All you have to do is look around you. But, officially and according to the survey by mobility solutions specialist easytrip, tailgating is the most serious problem.

It was quickly followed (forgive the pun) by mobile phone use at the wheel (20pc), driving too slowly (16pc) and too fast (11pc) for other drivers.

Changing tack... the survey found the top items for a road trip were: mobile phone charger (37pc), sat nav or GPS device (21pc), music playlist (12pc), snacks and drinks (10pc) and a hard-copy map of Ireland (5pc).

And the following would be the most popular passengers: Tommy Tiernan - 21pc, Rob Kearney - 9pc, Aisling Bea - 8pc, Rory McIlroy - 7pc and Miriam O'Callaghan - 6pc.

THE braking distance between your car and the vehicle in front should be at least two seconds.

That's when you're driving on a dry road. But did you know it should be a minimum of four seconds in the wet and 10 times the normal distance when driving on ice?

It's also reckoned that if you need to use your windscreen wipers, you probably should have the headlights on too.

Automatic light settings will not always activate in bad weather conditions, so you should make the decision to have them turned on.

VOLVO'S new infotainment package, based on Google's Android operating system (OS), will be as handy to use as a mobile phone, they claim.

The new system will debut in the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Polestar 2 electric cars before becoming part of the brand's full range.

They promise you will be able to download third-party apps for functions such as navigation and media streaming.

Key to the idea is that there will be a spread of online services without the need for a connected smartphone.

RENAULT will upgrade its budget electric City K-ZE small car for European sales, according to reports.

It is even speculated that it could be badged as a Dacia.

The K-ZE is a small SUV which has been on sale in China.

Now a special version of it is Europe bound.

It is anticipated that the European version would have higher safety equipment levels.

There will also be a bit of an increase on its current official NEDC range of 250kms or so.

The relatively small range is not expected to be an obstacle as it is a budget city car.

The current K-ZE has a 44bhp electric motor.

MAZDA'S first production electric car, the Mazda MX-30, following its prèmiere at the Tokyo Motor Show, is due here early 2021.

TOYOTA'S PROACE City van is due to arrive on these shores next year with sales starting June 20.