Arguments while driving can ruin Christmas

LONDON, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Forty-two percent of people in Britain say arguments inside automobiles have ruined their Christmas, a survey indicates.

The study for insurer Allianz Your Cover indicated 1-in-5 drivers say they felt more likely to be distracted driving during the holiday period, while 25 percent say the average argument lasted just 5 minutes.

Other survey findings include:

-- 43 percent say they have one to five arguments within their vehicle during the Christmas holiday period.

-- 44 percent of drivers say they are most likely to argue with their partner.

-- 30 percent of these arguments are based on what route to take.

"Many people underestimate the impact that having an argument in the car can have on their driving," Andy James of Allianz Your Cover says in a statement.

In addition, the survey indicates 75 percent of drivers say they do not check for travel delays before their journeys and 27 percent do not make safety checks on their vehicle before traveling.

"Basic vehicle maintenance checks are something that every driver should be aware of and it is concerning that some people do not see it as important," James said. "This is not only putting themselves and their passengers at risk but also other drivers on the road."

The survey of 2,000 drivers in Britain was conducted in December by One Poll. No margin of error was provided.