70% of drivers see red behind wheel
1st September 2010
Irate drivers could be putting themselves and other road users at risk, a survey has found.
Up to 70% see red on the road, while more than a quarter (28%) admit their temper adversely affects their driving ability, increasing the risk of a crash and subsequent car insurance claim.
But while a cool head on the road often equates to tidy savings on car insurance quotes, it seems there are plenty of niggles and narks on the nation's roads that are ready to test the calmest of customers.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) survey found that tailgating, where a car follows too closely behind another, was the most provocative behaviour, with 28% saying they felt intimidated by offending drivers.
Meanwhile, nearly a quarter of drivers (22%) say taking a call while behind the wheel was their biggest irritation.
Lane hogging, aggressive drivers, failing to indicate and bad lane discipline also topped the list of reasons for road rage.
However, the survey also revealed that a third of drivers read or send text messages while stuck in traffic, despite the high number listing it as a main gripe while driving.
Passengers, billboards, safety cameras, in-car entertainment and sat-navs were also deemed to be too distracting for the 1,500 drivers polled in the survey.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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