If you’re an older sibling then you’re a menace to the roads. It might sound like a tenuous link, but according to new research eldest children are more likely to speed, get fined and have road traffic accidents. In contrast, younger siblings are apparently the best drivers in the UK. A study by Privilege Car Insurance into the driving habits of 1,395 motorists has revealed that 89% of older siblings are likely to speed, 35% to get fined, 47% likely to annoy other drivers by cutting them off, and 46% likely to cruise in the middle of the road. Ugh. Eldest children even admit to putting makeup on while driving (17%) and using their phone (30%) at the wheel, even though it’s now illegal. And they do all of these at a higher rate than their younger siblings. Because of this, older brothers and sisters have been involved in more minor and major car accidents than both middle and youngest children. And if you’re an only child wondering where you fit into all of this, don’t fret. Although the stereotype dictates that only kids are selfish, they’re actually among the most considerate road users. They are the least likely to hog the middle or outside lane, or to cut someone else off on the road. Charlotte Fielding, head of Privilege DriveXpert, said: ‘Sibling rivalry is a famous family issue, in particular when arguing over who is the better driver. ‘Younger drivers with DriveXpert telematics policies are given a score based on their safe driving ability. ‘This technology can not only encourage safe driving and reward those who do so with lower insurance premiums, but can also help siblings decide once and for all who is best behind the wheel.’
Almost half of drivers who are older siblings are likely to annoy or cut up other drivers, while 89% are prone to speeding, according to a survey by Privilege Car Insurance. Almost a third of elder siblings admitted using a mobile at the wheel, while 17% applied make-up, both of which are illegal. In contrast, the survey revealed only children were least likely to hog the middle or outside lanes, or cut someone else off. The study found younger siblings to be the best drivers in the country.