Mothers-in-law driving US to distraction

• A quarter (26 per cent) of mothers-in-law drive us to distraction in the car
• More than one in ten (11 per cent) drivers have been criticised in their car by their mother-in-law
• Over one in ten (11 per cent) mothers-in-law refuse to be driven by their child’s partner
• Despite all this, more than a third (36 per cent) of drivers let their mother-in-law sit in the front passenger seat when they drive
   

The research suggests that tensions can run high when a mother-in-law is in the car with just over one in ten (11 per cent) drivers reporting that they have been personally criticised by their mother-in-law whilst at the wheel. Tensions can run high, as more than one in ten (11 per cent) mothers-in-law refuse to be driven by their child’s partner and a further ten per cent have even experienced their mother-in-law demanding to switch places so they could take over and drive.

It seems that mothers-in-law feel they have licence to criticise their son or daughter-in-law’s driving with over a fifth (23 per cent) reporting that their mother-in-law had commented on their driving being too fast. When in the car, they also take the opportunity to vent their feelings about their family. Drivers have had to sit through criticism of their father-in-law (20 per cent) and even their own partner (15 per cent). 

Table one:  Drivers report in car issues with their in mother-in-law

Source: Direct Line Car Insurance 2016

All this is in spite of the fact that, according to the research, 36 per cent of drivers who travel with their mother-in-law let them occupy the front passenger seat when they drive. One in six (17 per cent) drivers has their mother-in-law sitting in the front because she insists on it, or their partner insists their mother has the passenger seat.

The in-car criticism comes despite the fact millions of drivers go out of their way to help their mother-in-law by acting as a chauffeur.  More than a third (35 per cent) of drivers who travel with their mother-in-law have driven ‘round to help out and more than a quarter (26 per cent) have driven out of their way just to please her.  Even when public transport (21 per cent) is easily accessible, conscientious drivers are playing chauffeur for their in-laws.     

Table two:  What drivers do to please their mother-in-law

Source: Direct Line Car Insurance 2016

Rob Miles, director of motor at Direct Line, commented:  “Mother-in-law politics are well-known and the source of many jokes, but when combined with in-car politics, could lead to driver distraction. Our advice to drivers who are struggling to concentrate would be to find a safe place to stop or to continue the conversation at the end of the journey.”

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Notes to Editor

• There may be many things that mothers-in-law know best about, but it appears that how to be a conscientious car passenger is not one of them. New research from Direct Line Car Insurance reveals that over a quarter (26 per cent) of drivers have been distracted by their mothers-in-law while driving.
• Research was conducted by Opinium amongst a representative sample of 2,005 UK adults between 24th-28th June 2016.
   

For further information, please contact:

Chloe French 
PR Manager 
Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 831 715
Email: Chloe.French@directlinegroup.co.uk
 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.
 

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
 

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