Driving can be a challenge at the best of times.
Dealing with adverse weather, mistakes from other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, road damage, confusing signage and a raft of other potentially hazardous things. So the last thing that any driver needs is a distraction from within.
That’s why research from Confused.com is concerning , because it shows that back-seat drivers often create a distraction.
Two thirds of drivers have suffered interference from a passenger, or passengers, resulting in vehicle damage and the repair costs that come with it.
You wouldn’t use a mobile phone while driving, hopefully you wouldn’t eat or smoke while driving and the distraction from others in the car should be taken just as seriously.
Most drivers focus on their own behaviour when behind the wheel, not so much on what others in the car are doing.
The latest indications from the Government also suggest that this is not the only area where drivers need to control their passengers.
In the near future, car owners may become legally responsible for the behaviour of their passengers in respect of littering.
It is anticipated that CCTV cameras could be used to enforce new legislation with the liability resting with the person behind the wheel at the time and not the owner of the car.
This means that the law would apply in the same way as other motoring offences such as speeding and jumping red lights, where the driver is responsible.
So if your passengers are behaving badly, you have no choice but to take action because the reality is that while they are in your car, they have a direct impact on you that you must control.
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