A new study has revealed what many Brits are likely unsurprised to hear – BMW drivers have been voted the most-hated on our roads.
The unfavourable title comes thanks to a survey by vehicle finance firm, Moneybarn.
All the way back in April, the company asked 4,000 Brits for their opinion on who they thought were the ‘worst drivers on the road’, and almost 40% of respondents said they had a big problem with BMW drivers.
Although a desirable vehicle brand, BMW hasn’t always had it easy when it comes to public perception in the UK, and this latest survey appears to prove that.
Beamers just don’t seem to be very popular with other motorists.
“It’s clear that BMW drivers have built up quite the reputation for them, hence the joke that BMW’s don’t come with indicators.” the Moneybarn report read.
“And to hammer home how the rest of the public seems to think about them, a quick internet search for the term ‘why are BMW drivers…’ sees Google suggest results such as ‘so hated’, ‘so arrogant’ and ‘idiots’.”
Almost 40% of respondents said they had a big problem with BMW drivers / Credit: Pixabay (adymyabya)
Taking the runner-up spot on the list are of most-hated are Audi drivers, which again, may not come as much of a shock to Brits given the fact that they often anecdotally the most maligned motorists on the roads.
They were well behind in second place though, with just 14.1% of people choosing them.
“With a reputation for tailgating, owners of the German automobiles are clearly better thought of than those of BMWs, although they’re still clearly up there with some of the drivers that annoy us the most,” the report added.
White van drivers claimed the third spot racking up just 7.9% of the vote, with the the top five rounded off by Range Rover (4.6%) and Ford (4.2%) drivers.
The report said: “Perhaps their lofty position gives Range Rover drivers gives them a sense of entitlement on the roads, or perhaps that’s just an unfair stereotype from those of us suffering from SUV envy?”
“There’s a common misconception that all people who drive a specific brand are worse drivers” / Credit: Pixabay
Speaking on the findings of the new survey, Tim Schwarz – Head of Marketing and Product Development at Moneybarn – said the figures will no doubt shock some people, adding: “It may come as a surprise that BMW drivers are disliked nearly five times more than white van drivers, as it’s a common perception that white van drivers aren’t the most accommodating on the roads.
“However, our research reveals that BMW drivers are the nation’s least favourite drivers, as 39.1% of people voted them the worst drivers, followed by Audi drivers (14.1%).”
He added: “There’s a common misconception that all people who drive a specific brand, such as BMW or Audi, are worse drivers, however it’s all subjective.
“What you drive doesn’t make you a better or worse driver.” he concluded.
Featured Image – Pixabay (Toby_Parsons)
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Chester Zoo confirms sex of viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check
Emily Sergeant
It’s the news we’ve all been for… Chester Zoo has confirmed the sex of its viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check.
In case you need bringing up to speed, the new baby arrived to first-time parents Nubra and Yashin, who are both three-years-old, earlier this summer on 10 June, and since then, keepers at Chester Zoo said mum and cub had mostly spent their time quietly tucked away in a cosy den, away from the eyes of the onlooking public.
But just last week, it was time for the little one to see what the outside world is all about, and the zoo’s cameras captured it venturing outside for the very first time.
Back then though, we were still awaiting confirmation of the cub’s sex.
Now, Chester Zoo has confirmed that the adorable ball of fluff was taken to the zoo’s specialist vets and carnivore keepers this week to be examined, weighed, vaccinated, and most importantly, ‘sexed’ – and finally, it has been revealed as a female.
Keepers say the playful new arrival is now eight weeks old and growing in strength and confidence every day, with mum Nubra watching over closely.
“At eight weeks old, the cub has undergone the first of two all-important health checks,” explained Mark Brayshaw, who is the Head of Mammals at Chester Zoo.
Chester Zoo has confirmed the sex of its viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check / Credit: Chester Zoo
“These quick examinations by the zoo’s vets are really important for us to make sure the cub is healthy and in good physical condition.
“We recorded the cub’s weight, checked its heartbeat, eyes, and teeth before swiftly returning the cub to mum Nubra, [and] we’re very happy to report that the cub was given a clean bill of health and we can finally reveal that it is indeed a female.
“Now comes one of the toughest tasks of all – choosing a name worthy of such a special arrival.”
Snow leopards are classed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and it’s believed there are as few as 4,000 now remaining in the wild.
Stay tuned to find out the little one’s name, expected to be revealed very soon.
In fact, you might as well throw in your own suggestion – we’ve already offered ours…
How about Medo? 🥹
It means ‘little flower’ in Tibetan, the same as her mother’s tongue. 🌼
Manchester Storm ban supporter and condemn discriminatory behaviour after online comments
Danny Jones
Ice hockey side Manchester Storm have come out to vocally condemn any and all forms of discrimination following recent concerns raised online and, more importantly, putting words into action after issuing a stadium ban to a match-going fan.
Writing a lengthy, passionate and defiant post on Wednesday, 6 August, Manchester Storm informed supporters that they had been made aware of multiple “derogatory and discriminatory comments” earlier this week.
The remarks in question were made across various social media platforms, as well as fan forums over the past few days, but thankfully were quickly identified and removed by admins.
Nevertheless, Storm recognised the importance of cracking down on this kind of behaviour as swiftly and firmly as possible, penning this pitch-perfect reply in terms of tone and practical action.
The official statement reads: “These comments are deeply concerning and go against everything our club stands for. Let us be absolutely clear: racism, homophobia, and any form of discriminatory or hateful behaviour will not be tolerated – online or at the [Planet Ice] Arena.
“We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive club that welcomes players, staff, and fans from all backgrounds. Anyone found engaging in racist, homophobic, or otherwise abusive behaviour will be banned and will not be permitted entry to The [Storm] Shelter.”
Storm also went on to detail that the individual in question regarding multiple related incidents has not only been issued with a ban, but that their season ticket has been revoked and will be denied all entry to their home ground in Altrincham.
They also assured that the matter has been reported to Greater Manchester Police, adding that the club “will continue to cooperate fully with their investigations” and”will not hesitate to pursue further legal action where necessary.
Proud to see such quick and decisive action from the local sporting organisation, which should help serve as a real deterrent for similar potential trouble in the future.
The response from the right-minded fans in the comments was great to see as well.
Regardless of the offensive remarks made on the forum, most Manchester Storm supporters welcome the statement fan ban. (Credit: IG)
One user on X wrote: “The storm is for everyone; we don’t need these people anywhere near the Storm Shelter. Thank you for acting so quickly.” Another on Instagram added, “Absolutely, hockey is for everyone, correct and firm stance/action. Well done, from a Belfast Giants fan.”
The club signed off by saying: “Manchester Storm remains committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. Hate has no place in hockey – or anywhere else.
“We thank our community for standing with us in upholding these values.