New research reveals that most motorists signal their frustration on the road.

As drivers are pushed to the edge, it could represent new danger areas.

Intolerance can all too easily overflow into direct actions.

Boiling over

More than half (63%) of motorists aged 17-34 have sounded their horn to express anger at the behaviour of another road user in the past year.

These latest figures add to concern about increasingly aggressive behaviour shown by drivers.

Of the 2,000 people surveyed by IAM RoadSmart, one is six (66%) said they are more concerned than last year about aggressive drivers.

Youthful energy

Gen Z and Millennials are the angriest age group, with 63% of those aged 17-34 admitting to sounding their horn with fury.

This compares to just 42% of those aged 70 and over.

More than eight in ten (81%) of those surveyed have been tailgated on a 30mph road in the past 12 months.

Tailgating is already recognised as a contributory factor in 1 in 8 collisions.

Moreover, three-quarters reported being tailgated on a motorway or dual carriageway, with men more likely to fall victim than women.

Ignoring the basics

Middle-lane drivers are also a source of wrath, with 63% confessing to having undertaken or seen someone undertake a lane hogger.

As well as being a dangerous manoeuvre, drivers risk points on their licence or a £100 fine for such actions.

Middle-lane drivers are becoming an increasing source of traffic congestion and road delays, according to research.

Perhaps it is unsurprising that more than eight in ten (83%) motorists strongly support using cameras to detect and prosecute tailgaters.

Department for Transport figures reveal that one in 10 of the 1,454 deaths on Britain’s roads in 2023 were linked to aggressive behaviour.

Stuck on the road

According to the research, traffic is a hugely aggravating factor in road rage incidents, with a third (31%) admitting to beeping their horn to get the driver in front to hurry up in a jam.

More than half (63%) are more concerned about traffic jams than 12 months ago.

Department for Transport figures show car volumes are broadly consistent with pre-pandemic levels.

However, weekend vehicle use appears to be notably higher.

This indicates that congestion on leisure journeys rather than commuting journeys is causing frustration.

Ruling the road

The news comes as celebrity presenter and media writer  Rylan Clarke published his frustrations behind the wheel.

He sparked debate after complaining about pedestrians who walk across zebra crossings without thanking drivers, saying he was ‘stuck in traffic and annoyed’.

Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart Policy and Standards Director, said: “Motorists are faced with more challenges than ever – traffic, potholes and roadworks to name but a few, but that’s no excuse to take it out on fellow drivers. We’ve all got to share the road and keep in mind that aggressive tactics like tailgating someone will not to save you any time, but it will make it more likely you’ll have a collision. Drivers need to be aware that sometimes there are things out of their control. The best way to avoid stressful journeys is to plan your route before you leave and allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.”