Tailgaters Cause Most Temper Tantrums

RAC survey reveals what annoys UK drivers most on the road

By Riggers / Monday, 21 September 2009 / Loading comments

Today, apparently, is Road Respect Day. It's a campaign that's been launched by the RAC, which reckons that we are a nation of rude and disrespectful drivers (or everyone else is, at least).

Research by the RAC has revealed that, as a result, a third of the nation's motorists get angry behind the wheel at least three times a week. The top five irritations for the motoring public were:

1. Motorists driving too close behind (72 per cent)
2. Motorists on the phone while driving (68 per cent)
3. Being cut up by other motorists (68 per cent)
4. Not indicating (65 per cent)
5. Not saying thank you for giving way (48 per cent)

Unsurprisingly speeding drivers annoyed people less than dawdlers - a significant 45 per cent of drivers say they hate it when other road users tootle along significantly below the speed limit.

The big question, however, is exactly who is driving disrespectfully - 85 per cent of those surveyed say they are frustrated by the misdemeanours of others, but 70 per cent consider themselves to be a courteous driver most of the time, with a further 20 per cent claiming to drive with impeccable courtesy at all times.

All of which means, theoretically, that 10 per cent of motorists are committing 100 per cent of road rudeness, annoying 85 per cent of people. Then again, statistics can be used to prove more or less anything - and 79 per cent of people know that.