The behaviours most likely to spark road rage – as fifth of UK’s road users are threatened with violence each year
THE most common causes of road rage have been revealed, and certain driving habits are getting Brits really hot under the collar.
Getting cut off, tailgating and seeing someone driving while on their phone are the most common causes of rage on British roads.
Not indicating while turning or changing lanes is also one of the most frustrating acts for other road users, according to a study by Accident Advice Helpine.
And drivers typically lose their cool with people who sit in the middle lane of the motorway, those who park over two bays and dangerous drivers slamming on their brakes at the last minute.
Common sights on most British roads, these acts are enough to push plenty of motorists over the edge, with a new survey revealing the alarming number of road users experiencing anger.
Conducted by Auto Trader, the study found around one in five UK road users has been physically threatened with violence in the last year.
THE TOP 10 THINGS THAT GIVE US ROAD RAGE
These are the top ten acts that give UK drivers road rage
- Someone cutting you up
- People who tailgate you and flash lights on the motorway to get you to move over
- Seeing someone on their mobile when driving
- Someone not indicating when turning left or right
- Someone not indicating when changing lanes
- Someone not indicating when using a roundabout
- People who sit in the middle lane on the motorway
- Someone parking over two bays in a car park
- People who slam on their brakes at the last minute to change lanes
- Someone parking in a disabled bay when they aren’t disable
Taking into account drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair users, the survey also revealed one in ten road users had come to blows over a road rage incident.
More than 50 per cent of motorists had felt intimidated while driving, while 41 per cent had been sworn at by another driver.
And a whopping one in five Brits fear for their safety over road rage incidents while behind the wheel.
The chance of being targeted with road rage is worse if you're going for a run or on a bike.
One in five joggers were involved in a physical altercation last year, while one in eight cyclists faced violent attacks.
The alarming figures come as Auto Trader launches its new road safety campaign #SwearToChange, which encourages people to recognise other roads users and share the road safely.
Levi Sorvisto, Auto Trader’s Audience and Brand Director, said: “Despite Britain’s infrastructure and highway code changing, our research shows that attitudes on ‘who owns the road’ aren’t changing at the same pace.
“It also reveals there is much fear and intimidation on our roads, but we can all play a part in helping to eradicate it, by acknowledging the responsibility we have for motorists and other road users.
“We believe a shift in attitudes will lead to better consideration and safety for everyone who uses the road.”
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Many incidents of road rage can lead to dangerous or careless driving.
Drivers can even be fined for making a "rude hand gesture" on the road.
In more serious cases where you become physical with another driver, you can be charged with common assault.