Britain's boiling point: over half of drivers admit to road rage

One in ten Brits (9%) admit to experiencing road rage every single day, a new survey has revealed, while over half (53%) admit to feeling frustrated at least monthly.

The new data, from our latest study, also found that tailgating is the most common cause of road rage in the UK, frustrating over one third of drivers (33%), followed by not indicating correctly or at all (30%), traffic (27%), swooping and moving lanes (27%), and middle lane hogging (24%). 

1. Tailgating (33%) 
2. Not indicating correctly or at all (30%) 
3. Traffic (27%) 
4. Swooping / moving lanes (27%) 
5. Middle lane hogging (24%)

When it comes to letting other drivers know our frustrations, Brits are most likely to beep (30%) or honk the horn (29%). 

Younger drivers are most likely to lose it behind the wheel. The data found that almost one quarter (23%) of Gen Z drivers experience road rage daily, more than any other generation. They are also the only generation to lose it over slow drivers, compared to other generations who are most likely to lose their cool over tailgating or traffic.

What’s more, the findings show that BMW drivers are among the most hot-headed, with over three quarters (76%) admitting to monthly road rage, and over a quarter (27%) saying it happens daily. Tesla drivers aren’t far behind, with almost three quarters (71%) experiencing monthly road rage.

Interestingly, Tesla owners are the most likely to gesture with their hands (43%), while BMW drivers are most likely to beep (42%). 

Regionally, Southampton drives top of the chart as the UK’s angriest city, with almost two thirds (61%) of residents experiencing road rage monthly and 14% daily. In contrast, Bristolians are the calmest, with just 7% reporting daily road rage.

Motoring expert, Jonathan, here at First Response Finance, comments:

"These findings highlight just how emotionally charged UK roads have become. Tailgating, which tops the list as the leading cause of road rage, is not only aggressive but also incredibly dangerous as it reduces reaction time and significantly increases the risk of collisions. It's concerning that nearly one in ten drivers experience road rage daily, with younger drivers, particularly Gen Z, showing the highest levels of frustration.

"What’s particularly striking is the shift in triggers across generations. While most drivers are angered by tailgating or traffic, Gen Z are uniquely irritated by slow drivers - suggesting a growing impatience behind the wheel.

"But road rage doesn't just escalate tension, it can hit drivers hard in the wallet. Aggressive behaviours like tailgating, swerving, or brake-checking can lead to penalties for careless or dangerous driving, with fines, points, or even driving bans. These offences also have a direct impact on insurance premiums. Even minor convictions and penalties can increase annual premiums by hundreds of pounds, and insurers may refuse to pay out if aggressive driving leads to a crash." 

"The fact that over half of Brits admit to experiencing road rage monthly, and that many respond with beeping, swearing, or gesturing, highlights the need for better education around road etiquette and emotional regulation. A calmer driving culture would not only improve safety but also protect drivers from serious financial and legal consequences."