Millions of motorists admit to behaviour they later regret behind the wheel
Most drivers have experienced moments of frustration on the road. However, experts warn that reacting in the heat of the moment could have consequences far more serious than many realise.
New research from Saga Car Insurance found millions of motorists admit to losing their temper behind the wheel, with some confessing to behaviours that could result in fines of up to £1,000. The insurer commissioned a survey of 1,000 UK adults which revealed that swearing, aggressive horn use, tailgating and even running red lights are more common than many drivers may think.
It claims 46 per cent of respondents admitted swearing at other road users. Meanwhile, 30 per cent said they had made inappropriate gestures, while 21 per cent confessed to flashing their headlights in frustration.
The survey also found that 19 per cent had aggressively sounded their horn, while the same proportion admitted speeding because they were frustrated. More concerningly, 9 per cent said they had tailgated another vehicle, 8 per cent admitted brake-checking and 6 per cent confessed to running a red light.
Many of these actions can result in serious penalties under UK motoring laws. According to guidance published by the UK Government, speeding offences and failing to comply with traffic signals can both attract fines of up to £1,000 depending on the circumstances and court outcome.
Experts are now urging drivers to pause before reacting when tensions begin to rise. According to Ali Ingram-Seal, motoring expert at Saga Car Insurance, taking a moment to think could prevent motorists from making costly mistakes.
He said: “If something annoys you, take a moment to breathe and think before responding. If you react straight away, you may do something you regret later.
“Everyone makes mistakes on the road. Ask yourself if it’s worth getting upset. Most of the time, it’s not, so just let it go.”
One technique recommended by the NHS may help drivers calm down before frustration escalates. NHS advice on managing stress and anxiety says that people should breathe in gently through their nose and out through their mouth while counting steadily from one to five on each inhale and exhale, repeating the process for at least five minutes.
Controlled breathing is said to help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and panic. Experts believe using the technique while stationary in traffic could help prevent emotional reactions from escalating into dangerous behaviour.
Lisa Murphy, a registered therapist specialising in anger, anxiety and stress management, explained how road rage is often driven by stress and a perceived loss of control. She warned that delays, unexpected hold-ups and pressure to reach a destination can all increase the likelihood of drivers reacting emotionally.
She said: “Road rage is a stress-related state that drivers can suffer, in which they become extremely angry and lose the ability to regulate their emotions.
“Anger on the roads can start with mounting frustration with other drivers or unexpected delays, and can lead to sounding the horn, shouting, gesticulating, tailgating, and other behaviour designed to intimidate other road users.”