Road rage is on the rise amongst UK drivers, a new survey has found, and Millennial and Gen Z drivers are the most likely to be aggressive on the road.
Research by IAM Roadsmart, the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, revealed growing concerns over aggressive drivers, with one in six of the 2,000 people surveyed saying they are more worried about the issue compared to last year.
The figures also showed that 63% of Gen Z and Millennials admitted to sounding their car horn out of anger, making them the angriest age group of drivers. This is compared to just 42% of those aged 70 and over.
An alarmingly high number of people (81%) said they had been tailgated in a 30mph road in the past 12 months. This is worrying because tailgating is a contributory factor in one in eight collisions, the charity said.
Three-quarters of respondents reported being tailgated on a motorway or dual carriageway.
Middle lane drivers also spark anger on the road, with 63% confessing to have undertaken, or seen someone undertake a lane hogger. Undertaking, which is the act of passing a slower moving vehicle on its left-hand side, is considered dangerous as it can increase the chances of a road accident.
Other factors on the road that cause fury include traffic, with a third (31%) admitting to beeping their horn to get the driver in front to move faster even in a traffic jam.
A separate survey conducted by bike subscription service Swapfiets found that road rage is one of the factors making Brits afraid of urban cycling, with 90% saying they fear cycling in cities.
The survey, published in City AM, revealed that 54% of Brits are worried about experiencing road rage from drivers, while 68% said the risk of being hit by a driver stopped them from cycling.
Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart policy and standards director, said: “Motorists are faced with more challenges than ever – traffic, potholes and roadworks to name but a few, but that’s no excuse to take it out on fellow drivers.
“We’ve all got to share the road and keep in mind that aggressive tactics like tailgating someone will not save you any time, but it will make it more likely you’ll have a collision.
“Drivers need to be aware that sometimes there are things out of their control. The best way to avoid stressful journeys is to plan your route before you leave and allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.”
Signs of road rage
According to insurance and breakdown cover company RAC, road rage can result in the following aggressive driving behaviours:
If you find yourself becoming impatient and angry while driving, the RAC recommends the following tips to help you keep calm:
Give yourself time
You might get stressed if you’re running late for work or an appointment, particularly if you’re stuck in traffic. Avoid getting angry with the clock and other road users by setting off earlier.
Plan your route
If you don’t know where you’re going there’s more chance you’ll make mistakes on the road and get frustrated, so plan your journey ahead of time.
Be understanding
We all make mistakes, so if a fellow motorist makes an error then take a deep breath and move on. Getting angry isn’t going to change what’s already happened.
Let things go
It might be tempting to retaliate if another driver does something you find annoying, but you never know how someone else is going to react so don’t put yourself in unnecessary risk by reacting badly.
What do I do if I become a victim of road rage?
If you find yourself becoming a victim of road rage, it can be very frightening. To ensure the situation doesn’t escalate, the RAC provides these tips:
Stay calm
It might sound easier said than done, but if you’re faced with an aggressive driver try to stay calm and don’t panic. This may require pulling over for five minutes to cool off.
Don’t retaliate
When targeted by an aggressive driver, it’s best to not retaliate (whether through words, gestures or driving actions) as it could make the situation far worse. Remember – you never know how someone else will react to your actions.
Ignore them
If a driver is tailgating you or flashing their headlights, it’s always a safer option to simply let them past rather than changing your driving to suit them and putting yourself and other road users at risk.
Acknowledge your mistakes
Whether or not you think you’re in the wrong, it’s often a good idea to simply recognise your mistake to try and diffuse the situation quickly.
You can report an aggressive driver by contacting your local police force and filing a complaint. You will need to give the police as many details as possible.
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