Don't Stop Me Now!

Having plans disrupted drives us crazy as six in ten people admit to getting enormously stressed when interrupted – especially when on a much anticipated trip according to new research released today.

People rated unexpected callers as the most frustrating interruption followed by a lost Wi-Fi connection, traffic jams and a flat tyre.

Researchers for General Tire tracked the causes of delays and the frustration created as part of their work to anticipate how to support their promise of anywhere is possible.

Matthias Bartz, research manager at General Tire said: “We recognise the stress created by interruptions. That impacts mood and our approach to driving, though planning and the right equipment can make a world of difference.

“We anticipate problems and then use technology to tackle them – prompting innovation like visual alerts to inform people when their tyres need to be changed.”

Whilst enraged by interruptions half of us are guilty of doing it to others. The study of 1,000 adults even revealed that one in five have intentionally woken people just for something they wanted.

Such is the determination to not be disturbed that one in five millennials wear headphones with nothing playing to avoid exchanges that might hold them up.

Other life cheats to dodge delays include half of adults keeping cash handy to cover car parking, keeping fuel topped up and switching mobiles to silent to avoid intrusive calls and messages.

Matthias Bartz added: “People find imaginative ways to avoid their plans being curtailed and our experts do precisely the same to keep drivers on track for adventure.

“We recognise the importance of people avoiding interruption with tyre failures, especially in the summer months where data shows that tyre incidents increase. This is why General Tire has technology which not only tells you when your tyres need to be replaced, but also alerts you when uneven wear is taking place.”

1.    Unexpected callers (phone)

2.    Lost Wi-Fi connection

3.    Traffic jams ahead

4.    Flat tyre

5.    Power Cut

6.    Unexpected callers (home)

7.    Queue jumpers

8.    Loud music

9.    Boiler breakdown in winter

10.  Being unexpectedly woken

11.  Losing mobile signal

12.  Someone pushing in in traffic

13.  Interrupted when speaking

14.  Charity fundraisers on the street

15.  Phone running out of battery

16.  Systems updates on a device

17.  Getting into bed and realising you need a wee

18.  At a cash only shop/venue with no cash

19.  Unexpected rain on a day out

20. Running out of fuel