Using a mobile phone overtakes tailgating as the nation's most hated driving habit

Think twice before talking or texting whilst behind the wheel, as not only is it illegal, it's now the nation's most despised road habit.

Our latest research reveals that using a mobile handset whilst driving is the nation's number one bugbear on the road, as cited by 47% of UK motorists questioned.

Tailgating, previously the number one most hated habit among motorists when Kwik Fit conducted the study in 2010, now takes second place, cited by 42% of drivers as their motoring pet hate. Failing to indicate (35%), dangerous over-taking (30%) and middle lane cruisers (26%) complete the top five.

Drivers using their phone appears to be more of a nuisance to older motorists than younger ones, with 62% of over 65s citing this as their main motoring complaint, compared to just 38% of those aged 18-24.

Here are some of the highlights of our findings - Britain's top ten most hated driving habits:

These driving habits aren't just annoying, they are dangerous and some of them are even against the law. You're four times more likely to have an accident if you use a mobile while driving according to the Department of Transport’s THINK! campaign, in addition to the frustration it causes for fellow motorists.

With on-the-spot penalties for motorists who hog the middle lane, tailgate or cut up other vehicles being introduced last year, it highlights just how serious these anti-social driving behaviours are being taken.