Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now has been named the best driving song of all time, according to a new poll, with 39 percent of Brits stating that the 1979 hit is an essential part of any road trip.

The classic anthem beat off strong challenges from Livin’ On A Prayer by Bon Jovi (33 percent), Dancing Queen by ABBA (29 percent), I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) by The Proclaimers (28 percent) and Fleetwood Mac’s, Go Your Own Way (26 percent).

Old School Tunes

Even though the list is dominated by old school tunes such as Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd (22 percent), River Deep – Mountain High, by Tina Turner (19 percent) and Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners (20 percent), there was also space for newer songs such as Ed Sheeran’s 2017 smash Castle On The Hill (20 percent), Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5 (18 percent) and Sex On Fire by Kings of Leon (24 percent).

The research, by Direct Line Essentials Insurance, found over half (51 percent) of people have a dedicated playlist for road trips, each containing an average of 51 songs.

Nine in ten (89 per cent) confessed that when on their own in the car, they love belting their favourite song at the top of their voice, with two fifths (39 percent) going so far as to say they have a great singing voice.

Partners (41 percent), children (34 percent), best friends (22 percent) and pets (10 percent) are the best companions to sing along with in the car.

Britons Love to Drive

Britain really is a nation of driving lovers with two thirds (69 percent) disclosing that being behind the wheel is one of their favourite places to be, while over half (51 percent) enjoy the freedom the open road brings.

85 percent see their car as a sanctuary, a place that they can escape to for some much-needed peace and quiet.

While two thirds (69 percent) love the stunning scenery (69 percent) and cosy little pubs (57 percent), while over half relish finding quaint villages (57 percent), beaches (52 percent) and castles and ruins (48 percent).

80 percent think there is nothing better than heading off on a family road trip, with 87 percent agreeing that the UK is one of the best places to head out on the open road.

Lorraine Price, Head of Motor Insurance at Direct Line, comments: “The open road and great music are the perfect combination, a soundtrack of classic tunes makes the driving experience even better.

“While people have different taste in music it’s great to see so many people agreeing on what makes an essential driving tune, Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now has truly stood the test of time.” 

Britain’s Top 30 Essential Driving Anthems

1.         Don’t Stop Me Now, Queen – 39%

2.         Livin’ On A Prayer, Bon Jovi – 33%

3.         Summer of ’69, Bryan Adams – 32%

4.         Dancing Queen, ABBA – 29%

5.         I’m Gonna Be (500 miles), The Proclaimers – 28%

6.         Hotel California, The Eagles – 28%

7.         Go Your Own Way, Fleetwood Mac – 26%

8.         Don’t Stop Believin’, Journey – 25%

9.         I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Whitney Houston – 24%

10.       Sex On Fire, Kings of Leon – 24%

11.       Highway To Hell, ACDC – 23%

12.       Africa, Toto – 22%

13.       9-5, Dolly Parton – 22%

14.       American Pie, Don Mclean – 22%

15.       Sweet Home Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd – 22%

16.       I Would Do Anything for Love, Meatloaf – 21%

17.       The Chain, Fleetwood Mac – 21%

18.       Born in the USA, Bruce Springsteen – 20%

19.       In The Air Tonight, Phil Collins – 20%

20.       Come On Eileen, Dexys Midnight Runners – 20%

21.       Paradise City, Guns ‘n’ Roses – 20%

22.       Castle on the Hill, Ed Sheeran – 20%

23.       River Deep – Mountain High, Tina Turner – 19%

24.       Moves Like Jagger, Maroon 5 – 18%

25.       Town Called Malice, The Jam – 18%

26.       Tiny Dancer, Elton John – 17%

27.       Shut up and Drive, Rihanna – 17%

28.       Hey Ya, Outkast – 17%

29.       Life on Mars? David Bowie – 17%

30.       I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor, Arctic Monkeys – 17% 

Do you have a favourite driving anthem? I’m a fan of classic power ballads (and Bon Jovi), my husband is a metalhead, and my children prefer their favourite songs from TikTok. Share your favourite driving songs in the comments.

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Note: Research provided by Motor Insurance at Direct Line. This article contains affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!