IAM RoadSmart has reported a growing number of instances of UK road rage and warned of increasingly aggressive driving behaviour.
This comes after Department for Transport figures have revealed that one in 10 of the 1,454 deaths on Britain’s roads in 2023 were linked to aggressive behaviour.
Of the 2,000 people surveyed by the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, one is six (66%) said they are more concerned than last year about aggressive drivers.
Gen Z and Millennials are the angriest age group, with 63% of those aged 17-34 admitting to sounding their horn with fury, compared to just 42% of those aged 70 and over.
Road rage causes
More than eight in 10 (81%) of those surveyed have been tailgated, which is a contributory factor in one in eight collisions in a 30mph road in the past 12 months. Three-quarters reported being tailgated on a motorway or dual carriageway, with men more likely to fall victim than women.
Middle lane drivers are also a source of wrath, with 63% confessing to have undertaken, or seen someone undertake a lane hogger, risking points on their licence or a £100 fine. Meanwhile, more than eight in 10 (83%) strongly support the use of cameras to detect and prosecute tailgaters.
According to the research, traffic is a hugely aggravating factor in road rage incidents, with 63% more concerned about traffic jams than they were 12 months ago.
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 to 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.”
