Motors.co.uk is behind the study, which asked a total of 726 UK motorists their attitudes towards 21st century driving distractions.
70.6 per cent of drivers polled agreed that they are often distracted, and more than half (52.9 per cent) would like to see fewer 'non- essential' features in cars to help avoid confusion.
In-car add-ons were cited as bigger distractions than noisy passengers, convoluted road signs and even the family dog.
Fiddling with the sat nav was deemed the biggest driving danger by car drivers, with almost a third of all drivers (29.4 per cent) voting it a major driving distraction.
Using intricate in-car music gadgets such as ipods and CD players followed hot on the heels for one in five drivers (21.6 per cent).
Over-enthusiastic sat nav voices were a cause of confusion for 23 per cent.
Fussy steering wheel control buttons and piercing parking sensors were also cited as the ultimate concentration crushers for one in ten drivers respectively.
Smoking (23.5%), eating and drinking (7.8%), children (9.8%) and pets (5%) were the main, non car related distractions that were nominated by drivers.
Katie Armitage, Marketing Manager for motors.co.uk said: "Many modern cars are filled with gadgets and gizmos and for many drivers are seen as not only confusing to use but also a major cause of distraction for both themselves and other drivers.
"On the back of these findings we are urging manufacturers to 'Go back to Basics' and to consider the safety of drivers and how they use the add-ons with the emphasis being placed on not losing concentration."
Posted on 13.10.2008
