A driver’s front seat passenger may be the biggest safety hazard, research reveals.

A poll by online insurance broker www.motorinsurance.co.uk shows that the UK’s motorists make uneasy passengers. The poll revealed that 48% of passengers have taken it upon themselves to operate car controls, such as indicators, while in a moving vehicle

And around one in six passengers (16%) has actually grabbed the driver or moved the steering wheel while being driven.

The majority (62%) of the 500 people polled say they were not comfortable being driven by someone else. Over a third (39%) of passengers worry so much that they cannot even sleep whilst being driven.

The twitching brake foot is very common. 61% say that their brake foot will still move even though someone else is driving. Just over half (52%) of the 500 people polled also regularly draw the driver’s attention to potential hazards. These results may indicate that passengers remain vigilant, but understand they are there to aid the driver.

Paul Cosh, managing director of www.motorinsurance.co.uk, said: "This poll gives one of two possible conclusions; both of which are worrying. Firstly, we are a nation of such atrocious drivers, that passengers, scared for their own lives, keep themselves awake with worry and are forced to take drastic and physical action to stop the driver hurting them and anyone else.

"Alternatively, we are a nation of atrocious passengers who think we know best. We pester the driver about everything, take charge of the car’s minor controls, and even grab the steering wheel when it suits us. I can imagine drivers and passengers arguing passionately that the other is to blame. That is, until they swap seats."