Stressed out drivers who swear, honk horns, shout and make gestures at others have admitted their angry actions are pointless and, in some cases, have made them feel worse, according to new research by NRMA Insurance*.
More than 80% of drivers who confessed to getting angry at others on the road said it did not alleviate their frustration, with more than one in seven admitting it made them feel even more stressed.
NRMA Insurance Queensland State Manager Brett Robinson said the research demonstrated the need for drivers to stay calm on the road, even if they do get frustrated by others.
Only 18% of drivers who expressed road rage towards other drivers said they actually felt better for doing so,” Mr Robinson said.
The rest admitted it made no difference to how they felt, while others put themselves at more risk with higher stress levels as a result of their anger.
Honking horns, flashing lights and angry gestures could also distract other drivers, creating more risk and angst on the road. Why get yourself worked up in the first place if your anger is wasted?”
Mr Robinson said men were also more inclined than women to express anger at other drivers.
Across the board, men were more likely than women to show their frustration - or at least they were more inclined to admit it,” he said.
Those in the 25 to 34 year age bracket were also the worst road rage offenders.
But, with the results showing road rage generally doesn’t make us feel any better, there’s even more reason for drivers to think twice before beeping or bleeping next time they are stressed at the wheel.”
According to the research, the most frequent road rage actions towards other drivers included:
| Action | National percentage | Brisbane drivers | Drivers across the rest of Queensland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swearing | 61% | 55% | 62% |
| Beeping horn | 47% | 46% | 38% |
| Shouting | 30% | 34% | 18% |
| Making hand gestures | 29% | 33% | 24% |
| Flashing lights | 24% | 23% | 16% |
Research based on a survey of Australian households by Woolcott Research on behalf of NRMA Insurance, October 2007.
