SCOTTISH drivers are keeping their cool in the face of treacherous weather conditions and are now ranked among the most considerate in Britain.
A survey of 2000 British motorists found that only drivers in Wales and Yorkshire were friendlier than their Scottish counterparts.
Scottish affection is not reserved exclusively for other road users, however.
Four in 10 drivers north of the Border admitted they love their current car more than their in-laws while more than six in 10 said they have fonder memories of the first car than their first love. Almost a quarter have more affection for their vehicle than their family pet.
BMW motorists were given a special mention by the report having been named as the most obnoxious around.
Range Rover and Audi TT drivers are also considered to be some of the rudest on the roads while Mini and Ford Fiesta owners are thought to be the kindest.
White van men failed to live up to their reputation, with a respectable fifth-place finish on the nasty list.
Although slightly below the British average, a typical Scot spends just under £17,000 over the course of their lifetime on “pimping and pampering” their vehicle. Custom car wraps, leather interior upgrades and alloy wheel rims have been identified as the most popular modifications.
Despite saving an average of £2300 in comparison with drivers from other parts of Britain, Scottish drivers typically spend more of their lifetime caring for their cars – 56 days on average.
Such is the affection for cars, 70 per cent of Scots believe theirs has a personality while more than half have named their vehicle. Petrol-head males seem to comply with the stereotype, favouring names such as Beast and Turbo while women tend to prefer Baby, Betty or Daisy.
Around one-third of drivers feel their car’s name reflects the emotional characteristics of their metal box on wheels.
The research accompanies the launch of online vlogger Yianni’s new television show on TV channel Dave, Yianni: Super Car Customiser.
Luke Hales, general manager of Dave (pictured), said: “Our affinity and love for cars means we love to give a personal touch to our motors, whether it’s a human name that brings out the personality, a custom modification or pampering and tinkering with the body work and engine.”
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