BMW drivers are officially the most infuriating, new data reveals

BMW drivers are the most infuriating on the road, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 motorists by Ripe Insurance found that people who drive BMWs were most likely to display annoying or even dangerous behaviours behind the wheel.

Respondents were asked to select their own previous actions from a list of common “pet peeves”. These included turning or changing lane without indicating, merging last-minute into the front of a queue, playing loud music in residential areas and deliberately parking across two bays.

On average, one in five BMW owners admitted they were guilty of annoying driving habits. They were followed closely by Audi drivers, with average of 19%, and Vauxhall drivers coming in third place with 18%.

By contrast, an average of just 13% of Fiat drivers said they had carried out any of the actions on the list.

While some behaviours may simply be considered a nuisance, others are against the law, dangerous and come with significant penalties. For example, holding and using a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data can lead to licence points, a fine of up to £1,000 and even a driving ban.

Accidents caused by road rage are also growing in the UK, suggesting that poor decision-making behind the wheel can have more serious consequences for road safety.

John Woosey, Founder of Ripe Insurance, commented: “It’s a long-held stereotype that BMW owners are badly behaved on the road and our data seems to confirm it. Indeed, most people will have come across aggressive or irritating driver types in the past and know how frustrating it can be.

“However, while these bad habits may ruffle feathers, they can also cost a lot more – whether financially or even worse. Ultimately, nobody is perfect, so we would urge all motorists – no matter the make of their car – to reflect on their driving behaviour and always be considerate of other road users when getting behind the wheel.”

The full list of driving “pet peeves”

1. Making a turn, changing lane or overtaking without indicating first
2. Beeping your horn in anger
3. Undertaking another vehicle on a dual carriageway or motorway
4. Reaching behind you to get something from the back seat
5. Using your smartphone
6. Merging last minute into the front of a queue
7. Tailgating
8. Overtaking a cyclist with less than 1.5m clearance
9. Playing loud music in a built up or residential area
10. Splashing pedestrian(s)
11. Parking across two bays
12. Using a smartwatch
13. Driving with too many passengers in the car
14. Not turning down full beam for oncoming traffic
15. Sitting in the middle lane