British motorists risk fines of up to £5,000 for common driving habits, including swearing at other drivers and flashing headlights in frustration, according to a new survey from Saga Car Insurance.
Common Behaviours and Penalties
The poll of 1,000 UK adults found that 46% of drivers admit to swearing while driving when frustrated. Additionally, 21% confessed to making inappropriate gestures or flashing their headlights at other motorists. Aggressive honking was admitted by 19% of respondents, while 9% said they had tailgated another driver. Brake-checking and running red lights also featured among the behaviours motorists admitted to.
Many of these actions could fall under offences including careless and inconsiderate driving, disorderly conduct, and speeding. According to the research, penalties for some offences can reach £1,000 fines, while others carry unlimited fines depending on the severity and circumstances. Drivers caught shouting out of their window or making rude gestures could also face penalties under public order and driving offence rules.
Expert Advice on Road Rage
Saga Car Insurance spoke to Lisa Murphy, who said: “Road rage is far more than simply getting a bit annoyed. Most of us experience brief moments of frustration and annoyance at times while driving, but the big problem with road rage is that it can cause the driver to lose control and behave erratically.”
Murphy added: “Loss of control is a crucial element. When we’re driving, we have a plan and hope to get where we’re going without any complications, so when unexpected difficulties arise we feel out of control and more vulnerable. When we’re in our cars, we can develop a perceived sense of safety because we’re in a familiar setting and we’re separated from the outside world by the windscreen. The problem is, we’re not as safe as we think, because despite that screen, we’re still in charge of a vehicle that can cause serious damage to others.”
She recommended: “In the short term, learning some basic relaxing breathing techniques or other physical relaxation methods can be useful. Remember: prevention is better than cure - so practice these daily; don’t just pull them out when you’re already too far gone and the ‘red mist’ is rising.”
