- UK's favourite driving tunes - the definitive list
- Survey by Select Car Leasing
- "Hotel California" and "Livin' on a Prayer" tied in 1st place
- "Mr Brightside" by The Killers in 3rd
- Classic rock rules the run-down
Classic rockers still rule the roost when it comes to the UK's favourite driving music, according to a new survey.
The UK charts may be dominated by Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Ed Sheeran - but they’re not top of the bill with UK motorists, who still hanker after decades-old bands when singing away behind the wheel.
The study, commissioned by Select Car Leasing, has revealed that "Hotel California" by The Eagles and Bon Jovi’s "Livin’ on a Prayer" are the nation’s favourite driving songs.
Graham Conway, managing director Select Car Leasing, reckons it will be hard to dethrone these guitar-driven classics.
He said: “While there is plenty of great new music around, and some standout modern stars gathering legions of loyal fans, it seems there’s just something special about an old-style rock tune when you’re driving.
“Whether it’s feeling the wind in your hair on the highway or punching the air when the big chorus hits, established acts such as Bon Jovi and the Eagles just tick a lot of boxes for British motorists.”
The survey of 1,000 UK driving licence holders, carried out by market research company Obsurvant, asked respondents to pick up to five of their favourite songs from a list.
The results had The Killers at No.3 with "Mr Brightside" and boxing barnstormer "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor at No.4.
Journey’s rousing "Don't Stop Believin", "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac and ELO’s "Mr Blue Sky" maintained the theme.
"Africa" by Toto and singalong classic "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by tuneful twins The Proclaimers were also present.
Only R&B superstar Rihanna gave the top 10 a slightly more modern feel, with her 2007 hit "Shut Up and Drive" crashing in at No.8.
While listening to music in your car is fine, Select Car Leasing’s Mr Conway did strike a note of caution.
He said: “Many people like to belt out their favourite hits when they are driving, while some also drum the steering wheel or sway in time in their seat.
“But if any of these actions distract you from the job at hand, which is keeping your eyes on the road, you could be prosecuted for dangerous driving or driving without due care and attention.
“The penalties for this can be severe, with a fine of up to £5,000 fine and nine points on your licence.
“It’s also worth remembering that playing music too loud could drown out the sound of emergency vehicles or other drivers’ horns.”
The Nation’s Favourite Driving Songs
- Hotel California, Eagles
- Livin’ on a Prayer, Bon Jovi
- Mr Brightside,The Killers
- Eye of the Tiger, Survivor
- Don't Stop Believin’, Journey
- Go Your Own Way, Fleetwood Mac
- Mr Blue Sky, ELO
- Shut Up and Drive, Rihanna
- I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), The Proclaimers
- Africa, Toto
- Sweet Home Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Born in the USA, Bruce Springsteen
- Highway to Hell, AC/DC
- Paradise City, Guns N’ Roses
- Mustang Sally, Wilson Pickett
- Teenage Kicks, The Undertones
- All Right Now, Free
- Born to be Wild, Steppenwolf
- Here I Go Again, Whitesnake
- More Than a Feeling, Boston
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