Drivers reveal the most annoying road habits
The AA warns drivers to stay calm and focus on their own driving - despite the frustrating habits of other drivers.
Wednesday 17 May 2017 12:23, UK
Tailgating is the most annoying driving habit, motorists have told a survey.
A poll of more than 20,000 AA members found that 26% rated vehicles being driven too close to the car in front as being the worst habit.
A quarter of those surveyed said talking on a mobile phone while driving was the most annoying habit, followed by middle lane hogging (23%).
Slow driving, cutting in at the last minute, overtaking on the inside and speeding were not as unpopular, the survey found.
AA roads policy spokesman Jack Cousens said: "Tailgating and hogging the middle lane is not only annoying but dangerous.
"Unfortunately, the number of specialist traffic officers has been cut since 2005, which has meant the police powers introduced three-and-a-half years ago have had a limited impact.
"The behaviour of other drivers can affect your own driving, so it is best to stay calm and focus on what you are doing. Getting frustrated with the actions of others could mean you make just as big an error."
In August 2013, police gained the power to fine drivers for things such as tailgating and middle lane hogging.
But since then, just 8,000 tickets have been issued for these types of faults, compared to more than 55,000 to people not wearing a seatbelt.
The AA says a fall in the number of traffic police officers could explain this.