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Two million drivers admit to daily road rage – survey

Road Safety
One in five of UK drivers, some 7.5 million road users, experience road rage at least once a week, while 6% – more than 2 million – admit to being angry behind the wheel every day.

That’s according to new research from workforce technology company BigChange, which commissioned a survey of 1,000 people who drive for work in the UK.

Younger drivers are worse, with 42% of 18- to 34-year-olds admitting to road rage at least once a week; this figure drops to 7% for those aged over 55.

The survey also revealed that female drivers were also more likely to experience road rage than their male counterparts: 27% of women who drive regularly for work admitted to getting weekly road rage, compared to 18% of men.

Vehicle type was also analysed as part of the research. Among HGV drivers, 14% said they experience feelings of road rage on a daily basis; 27% weekly; and 41% never.

For those who drive vans for a living, 4% said they experience road rage daily; 18% weekly; and 53% never.

Martin Port (pictured), CEO of BigChange, said: “Our research shows that road rage is a major problem on UK roads, and while certain groups are statistically more likely to experience it than others, it is an issue that can potential affect everyone.

“We know that road rage, alongside workplace stress and the pressure of running late for appointments, is a major contributor to dangerous driving behaviours on UK roads. People who plan ahead and leave a little more time for their journeys tend to experience less stress while driving and pose less risk to themselves and others.”

The research is published as part of the new Leaders for Life campaign, which aims to help business leaders promote safer driving at work (see link below).

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