ONE in five motorists admit they are a ‘Sunday Driver’ when it comes to music – listening to chilled-out tunes as they drive.
The study of 2,000 motorists found 19 per cent are laid back when it comes to playing DJ on the road.
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Whereas more than one in 10 (13 per cent) won’t let anyone else touch the controls – it’s their way, or the highway.
A further 11 per cent describe themselves as ‘Road Trippers’ and plan their playlists meticulously if they’ve got long journeys on the horizon.
While nine per cent are ‘A Little Racey’, blasting the tunes at a super-high BPM and driving like they’re getting away from a bank job.
The research was commissioned by Discovery Channel to mark the 20th anniversary of Wheeler Dealers as well as all new episodes from Monday at 9pm.
The show’s presenter Mike Brewer said: “I think we’ve all been a Sunday Driver at times although I’ll admit to being a Radio Ruler – as I like to be in control of the tunes when I drive.”
It also emerged Sunday Drivers find solace in their motoring melodies, as 53 per cent use music in the car to help reduce their stress levels.
Whereas 45 per cent of those that like to ride at a racier pace enjoy driving to faster paced songs and sounds to help them stay alert.
More than two-thirds (67 per cent) of ‘Road Trippers’ are so devoted to their chosen playlists they’ll sit in the car waiting for a song or podcast to finish before getting out.
And 72 per cent of ‘Radio Rulers’ – who like to be in control of the music when driving – find their driving experience is tainted when listening to hits they have no interest in.
The study, via OnePoll, also found 21 per cent have been ‘red-faced’ behind the wheel and spotted singing along to their favourite hits by other drivers.
It also emerged 65 per cent of all respondents polled said music is an integral part of driving.
With pop the most popular genre to blast in the car, followed by rock and RnB, with 76 per cent of those who play music while driving claiming upbeat hits are best.
And 75 per cent enjoy the driving experience much more when they are listening to songs they like.
But it’s not just listening to their favourite hits that drivers enjoy during a car journey, as 34 per cent like looking at the scenery.
Chatting to passengers (26 per cent) and enjoying a bit of solitude (28 per cent) are also among motorists’ favourite pastimes.
Wheeler Dealers co-host, Marc ‘Elvis’ Priestley said: “No one should be made to feel embarrassed by singing in the car.
“The louder the better in our opinion.”
TOP FIVE DRIVER TYPES
1. Sunday Driver – as long as it’s chilled out and laid back, you’ll let it play.
2. Radio Ruler – you won’t allow anyone else to touch the controls, it’s your tunes all the way.
3. Road Tripper – you plan your playlists meticulously if you have any long journeys coming up.
4. A Little Racey – your tunes have a super-high BPM and you drive like you’re getting away from a bank job.
5. West End Wannabe – you love to belt songs out like you’re the next Idina Menzel or Hugh Jackman.
