Britain’s angriest drivers – region by region
9th June 2009
Drivers in Scotland are the least stressed and least inclined to shout at other motorists, but the most likely to become involved in a physical altercation, according to a poll of British drivers by ethical breakdown provider, the Environmental Transport Association (ETA).
The research found that the most stressed drivers in Britain are those in the Midlands and Wales, but more Londoners have had their car deliberately rammed into than anyone else.
Only one in ten drivers felt embarrassed about their behaviour behind the wheel.
Although levels of driver stress differed around the country, motorists from every region were found in need of ‘green driving techniques’ to help them stay calm.
The ETA has found that aggressive driving not only adds to road danger, but lowers fuel efficiency. It is issuing the following simple advice during Green Transport Week (13-21 June 2009):
1. Avoid harsh acceleration and braking to save fuel, reduces wear and tear and feel more relaxed
2. Look as far as possible up the road to reduce stop/start driving, reduce fuel consumption and make you a safer driver
Director at the ETA, Andrew Davis said: “Congestion, fuel prices and other motorists are perennial causes of stress, but one in three drivers said it was simply the mood they were already in that was reflected in the way they drove. Those who follow our advice are likely to be safer, greener and financially better off into the bargain.”
Driving traits by region:
Scotland
• The least stressed drivers, but four times as likely as northerners to be involved in a violent road rage incident
• The least likely to feel scared while driving, although one in five admitted to having taken a different route to feel safer
North
• Least likely to be involved in a violent road rage incident, but over half admit to having been shouted or gestured at
Midlands and Wales
• Young drivers (18-24) living here are the most stressed in Britain
London
• The most likely to have had their car rammed in a road rage incident – four times as likely as drivers in Scotland
• Most likely to have been shouted at (66%), but the least likely to admit to doing the same (33%)
By age:
• British drivers across all regions admitted their passengers had been surprised at how angry they become behind the wheel, although this was three times as likely to have happened to younger drivers as those aged over fifty-five.
Ends
For further information or an interview with Andrew Davis, please call Yannick Read at the ETA press office on 0845 389 1064 or 07788 606 483
Notes to editors
• Green Transport Week runs 13-21 June 2009 www.eta.co.uk/green_transport_week
The ETA will on 17th June publish its Green Car Buyers’ Guide, an assessment of the every car on the market in Britain. Published for free at www.eta.co.uk
• The ETA is an ethical provider of breakdown cover and insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport. www.eta.co.uk
• This research is previously unpublished. The total sample size was 1955 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 17th – 19th December 2008. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+)
