As millions across the UK mark the beginning of Lent this week, new research suggests there may be something far more urgent to give up than chocolate or alcohol. Anger behind the wheel. For the record, Lent is a 40-day Christian solemn season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding before Easter Sunday.
New survey data released today by road safety tech brand OOONO reveals that road rage has become a defining feature of UK driving culture, with almost half of drivers (47%) saying they have experienced road rage while driving. In the U.S., about 89% of drivers report having been the victim of road rage incidents while some 96% of American drivers admitted to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors.
One in six are exposed to road rage often
One in six in Britain (15%) say they are exposed to road rage often, while almost a third (31%) experience it occasionally – suggesting road rage is now the norm rather than the exception on Britain’s roads.
The research, conducted among more than 2,000 UK drivers, highlights the emotional toll of modern driving as well as modern life. More than one in ten (12%) say they feel stressed, anxious or emotionally overwhelmed every single day while driving, rising to 40% when those who feel this several times a week or more are included.
When asked about the most common triggers contributing to UK drivers’ stress levels, lack of sleep ranked highest (33%), followed by work pressure (29%), financial pressure caused by cost of living (27%), family or relationship pressures (24%), health concerns (21%), post-Christmas expenses (14%).
“Driving has become one of the main pressure points of modern life,” said Sean Morris, OOONO’s UK Chief Operating Officer. “By the time people get into the car, they’re often already carrying stress from work, family or financial worries. The road is where that pressure comes out – and unfortunately, it’s coming out as anger.”
A clear gender and age split
The findings also reveal a clear gender split. More than half of men (51%) say they have experienced road rage, compared with 42% of women. Men are also more than twice as likely to say they experience it often compared to women (22% vs 9%).
Moreover, the research results show that drivers aged 35–44 were the most likely to experience road rage on a regular basis, with 29% reporting frequent incidents. This compares with 21% of drivers aged 18–34, 6% of those aged 45–54, and just 4% of drivers aged 65–74.
“While road rage is often dismissed as ‘bad driving’, this research shows it’s much more personal than that,” added Morris. “It’s not just what’s happening on the road – it’s what’s happening in people’s lives.”
Despite traffic being widely blamed for aggressive driving, the research suggests congestion is not the primary cause of road rage for most drivers. Instead, internal pressures such as work stress, financial strain and family responsibilities appear to be key triggers, with the car becoming the place where emotions finally boil over.
With Ash Wednesday marking a time of reflection and self-control, OOONO believes Lent presents a rare opportunity for drivers to reset their behaviour on the road.
“Lent is about pausing, reflecting and giving something up. Giving up anger on the road – even just for 40 days – could make journeys safer, calmer and healthier for everyone. If we can change how we feel behind the wheel, we can change how our roads feel too,” concluded Morris.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
While 24% of drivers say they have never experienced road rage, OOONO says the research proves calmer driving is achievable – and that giving up anger this Lent could be one of the most meaningful sacrifices UK drivers make this year.