New research by Admiral finds that motorists are seeing red behind the wheel

Admiral has found that the main causes of road rage are being cut up by drivers (67%), drivers not indicating (65%) and the general rudeness of other motorists (61%). Driving too slowly (43%) is seen as more annoying than driving too fast (30%).

Nearly 1 in 10 (9%) have been threatened with physical violence and over half (56%) of drivers* questioned agreed that road users are generally less courteous than five years ago.

Of the 3,120 drivers questioned by YouGov for the Admiral Survey of UK Motorists,nearly half (48%) admitted to experiencing road rage, with almost a third (32%) of these saying they get it more than once a week.

Over a fifth (21%) of road rage sufferers have argued with another motorist because of road rage while 36% admitted it makes them drive more aggressively. Almost one in ten (8%) said they’ve followed another driver as a result.

While both men and women get road rage, men are more likely to drive aggressively, have arguments, follow drivers and make offensive gestures as a result of their road rage**.

Admiral spokesman, James Carnduff, commented, "It’s bad enough letting yourself be annoyed by other road users, but following them or even worse, reverting to violence is ridiculous. Getting angry doesn’t achieve anything other than raising your blood pressure and negatively impacting your driving."

Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said:

"Safe driving requires concentration, observation and anticipation as well as a responsible attitude to other road users. This is often easier said than done: our driving can be affected by our mood, the behaviour of other people and frustration caused by traffic delays. Unfortunately some drivers can take their stress out on other people which can lead to serious and sometimes fatal accidents."

Car insurance provider Admiral enlisted transport psychologist and behavioural expert, Dr Peter Marsh to explore what motorists can do to combat feelings of road rage and why drivers get angrier in cars.

Dr Marsh says that drivers think of their car as their personal territory which, as humans, they are programmed to defend. Cars give drivers a sense of mastery and self-control. When this is threatened, they can get frustrated and resent the loss of control. Drivers feel safe and protected enough to be aggressive before making a quick escape.

Dr Marsh suggests drivers open their car windows to reduce their sense of invulnerability and urges them to stay in control by paying attention to their emotions and not get affected by other motorists.


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Notes to editors:

*Drivers were defined as those who presently hold a valid driving licence and have a car in household.

**48% of male and 48% female drivers experience road rage. 41% men and 31% women are more likely to drive aggressively. 26% of men and 16% of women have had a full blown argument. 12% of men and 5% of women have followed another driver, and 40% men and 27% of women have made offensive gestures as a result of their road rage.

The sample size of the online survey was 4149 adults of which 3120 presently hold a valid driving licence and have a car in household. Fieldwork was undertaken between 22nd - 24th May 2013. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

Copyright-free and free of charge video content featuring interviews with James Carnduff, Kevin Clinton and Dr Peter Marsh is available upon request.

About Admiral:

Admiral, (a trading name of EUI Ltd and part of Admiral Group plc) launched in 1993 for motorists who traditionally pay higher than average premiums, including those under-35, living in cities or driving hot hatches.

The Admiral Group employs almost 5,000 people in the UK and was named the 2nd best large place to work in the UK by the Great Place to Work Institute in 2013.

PR contact:

James Carnduff
Admiral, Capital Tower
Greyfriars Road
Cardiff
CF10 3AZ
029 2043 4333
james.carnduff@admiralgroup.co.uk