Over 75% of Australians confess to having disagreements with partners, family, or friends while on the road, according to recent findings. As the summer holiday season unfolds, tensions are likely to rise both inside and outside the car.

Research conducted by iSelect has identified the top causes of in-car arguments. Leading the list is the issue of driving speed, which is closely followed by personal disagreements unrelated to driving.

The top ten sources of car-related arguments are as follows:

1. Driving speed (50.6%)
2. Personal arguments not related to driving (48.7%)
3. Disputes over directions and navigation (48.6%)
4. Backseat driving and unsolicited advice (42.9%)
5. Using a mobile phone while driving (40.8%)
6. Unexpected traffic or road closures (39.5%)
7. Issues with parking or manoeuvring (39.4%)
8. Conversations when the driver prefers silence (38.9%)
9. Handling kids or pets in the car (37.6%)
10. Disagreements over music choice and volume (33.8%)

While these findings might be both amusing and relatable, they also serve as a cautionary note for drivers and passengers alike.

While the list is amusing and highly relatable, it also comes with a warning.

Adrian Bennett, the general manager of general insurance at iSelect, said distraction was putting our safety at risk on the road.

“Even a momentary lapse in attention can have serious consequences.

“In fact, research shows that in crashes where inattention could be measured, about 31 per cent involved driver inattention, and distraction alone was responsible for nearly 14 per cent of all crashes,” Bennett said.

“Even more eye-opening, taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds, whether to check your phone, argue with a passenger, or deal with any other distraction, can double your risk of an accident.”

He said the holiday season was a particularly dangerous time to be on the road.

“Roads are noticeably busier over the festive season, and with many of us juggling hectic travel plans and late nights, carguments are likely to increase, and so is the risk of accidents.

“If you’re getting behind the wheel, the message is simple: stay focused.

“Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your attention on the drive so you can get where you’re going safely.”