Motorists reveal their biggest holiday travel pet peeves

By Grant Bailey via 72Point

Motorists' biggest Christmas travel bugbears include which side of the family to visit, defrosting the windscreen and whose turn it is to drive.

A poll of 2,000 UK drivers, who celebrate Yuletide, found the ‘driving home for Christmas feeling’ is among their favorite aspects of taking to the road in December.

However, certain ‘speedbumps’ along the way have been known to hinder their seasonal spirit.

These include backseat drivers, leaving for events on time, and frustration at attempting to successfully follow directions.

Trying to concentrate when driving in poor weather and who gets lumbered with filling up the vehicle with fuel or charging can also prove divisive.

It also emerged 17 percent have had a disagreement with their partner over who the designated driver will be.

In response, heycar, which commissioned the study, has launched the Pre-Sup, a downloadable agreement committing couples to do their fair share of driving during the holidays.

Holiday travel bugbears

A spokesperson for the online car seller said: “As the song goes, 'Tis the season to be jolly,' but disagreements about whose turn it is to drive can take the sheen off even the merriest of occasions.

“That’s why we’ve decided to help Brits agree in advance who the designated driver should be, and fight for their right to party.

“Reneging on your decision to drive to festive engagements is a common occurrence during the festive season and a sure-fire way to end up on Father Christmas’s naughty list.

“No one wants that. So, this is the perfect way to guarantee the feel-good vibes as you’re driving home for Christmas this year.”

With travel lockdowns fully lifted, many drivers could be reuniting with family for the first time in years.

Visiting loved ones emerged as the top reason to hop in the car this Yuletide, followed by Christmas shopping, and festive activities, such as ice skating.

Motorists' strong desire to reunite with loved ones will see them drive an average of 92 miles over the holidays.

A total of 44 miles will be covered just to find that perfect gift, and 33 miles will be totted up gathering provisions for Christmas dinner.

But 75 percent believe their car is essential in ensuring their Christmas plans go ahead smoothly.

And with planned rail strikes in December, festive motorists seem unfazed despite the potential for increased traffic, as 68 percent expect to drive as much as they do every Christmas.

Although 36 percent are planning to trim their mileage down to save money on fuel this year.

The study, carried out through OnePoll, found 64 percent drive an unleaded vehicle, and 22 percent, a diesel.

Precisely one in 10 have made the jump to a hybrid car, while just four percent have gone full electric.