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Drivers admit singing in the car, picking nose, while others like to watch

Survey finds Metro Vancouver motorists find diversion in many ways while stuck in congested traffic
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The dreaded commute is a time for numerous diversions for Metro Vancouver drivers

Embarrassment is just around the corner even when you're in what seems like the privacy of your own car.

A new survey of Metro Vancouver drivers found 54 per cent sing along to music while they're behind the wheel, even though 41 per cent of "car stars" find it embarrassing when they're caught in the act.

Another 18 per cent admit they've been caught picking their nose by someone in another car while in traffic.

Fifty-seven per cent said they like to people watch while stuck in congested traffic, a statistic that helps explain the busting of the nose pickers.

The survey by Angus Reid for Beat The Traffic, a traffic information service and app, found 66 per cent of Metro drivers think traffic is a nightmare and one third are stuck in it for at least an hour a day.

Despite B.C.'s distracted driving laws, 29 per cent said they feel using a cellphone is okay if the car is stopped and 17 per cent said they do use time in congested traffic to read emails and texts.

The survey found even the perception of progress is psychologically important – 81 per cent of respondents said they'd rather keep moving on a longer route than sit idling.