NEW research reveals that over a third of parents (35 per cent) have taken their eyes off the road to deal with a child wriggling out of their seatbelt,while almost one in five (19per cent) havebeen involved in a minor collision due to the distraction.

The biggest in-car stressors are sibling squabbles (44 per cent),screaming(39per cent) andan endless barrage of questions(37per cent). To keep the peace, parents turn to snacks (57per cent), favourite songs (57per cent), or bribes for good behaviour (36per cent). Fornearly athird (32per cent), the go-to solution is handing over a tablet or smartphone.

To address the issue, VolvoCarUKhas launched its newRoadside Naturecampaign, in partnership withlong-term partner,the Eden Project,and wildlife presenter SteveBackshall.

SteveBackshall,official ambassador of Volvo Car UK'sRoadside Nature campaign,said:"Nature is full of wonder-but today's kids are more familiar with cartoon castles than real ones. This pack is all about opening their eyes to the world beyond the screen, making every road trip a mini adventure.By encouraging children to appreciate their surroundings during travels, we not only keep them engaged but also minimise distractions for the driver - creating a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone."

Currently, over halfof parents(52 per cent)feel anxious about long journeys with children in the car,withhalf (49 per cent) going as far to cancelplans to avoid the stressall together. Faced with the choice,three in ten (30 per cent)would rather stay home doing laundry anda quarter (25 per cent)would prefer deep cleaning the bathroom than endure a long drive with restless little ones.

On average, parents estimate they have just over30 minutesbefore backseat bickering, wriggling, and wailing kicks in. Witheight in ten (81 per cent)planning or considering a long trip this summer, many are taking extra precautions-withnearly half(47 per cent) scheduling more pit stops, and 23 per cent opting for early starts in the hope their little passengers will snooze along the way.

Nicole Melillo Shaw, managing director at Volvo Car UKâ¯said:â¯"It'sno surprise so many parents find long car journeys stressful - trying to concentrate while managing tantrums, squabbles and constant questions is no easy task. The reality is it only takes a momentary distraction to lead to a potentially dangerous situation. From children slipping out of seatbelts to mid-drive snack demands,there'sa lot for parents to juggle behind the wheel.That'swhywe'velaunched our Roadside Nature campaign - to help keep children calm, curious and occupied, so drivers can stay focused and stay safe."

Seven in ten (69 per cent) parents say keeping their children entertained to avoid distractions feels like a full-time job every time they get in the car. However, a quarter (26per cent) say their children are noticeably calmer when driving through scenic or nature-rich areas - hinting at the power of the great outdoors to hold their attention.

Yet the research also highlights a growing disconnect from the world beyond the window.Kids arefar more likely to recognise Hogwarts Castle (56 per cent) or Peppa Pig's House (48 per cent) than iconic UK landmarks like Stonehenge (37 per cent) or the White Cliffs of Dover (35 per cent).They'remore familiar with Minions (57 per cent) and Pikachu (56 per cent) than dandelions (50 per cent) or bluebells (39 per cent), and 22 per cent struggle to name common UK trees. Just under half of respondents (46%) were unable toidentifyan Oak Tree,while17per cent lack confidenceidentifyinginsects- a third (32 per cent) unable toidentifya ladybird or a simple bumblebee (35 per cent).

Top 10 most distracting backseat behaviours (according to UK parents):

Arguing with siblings(44 per cent)

Screaming(39 per cent)

Asking repeated questions(37 per cent)

Taking off their seatbelt(35 per cent)

Kicking the back of the seat(33 per cent)

Throwing toys or objects(32 per cent)

Crying(31 per cent)

Climbing or reaching around the car(30 per cent)

Needing help with snacks or drinks(28 per cent)

Complaining about being hungry(28 per cent)