Road rage in the UK

Have you ever been driving and started getting angry after something happened? Maybe you saw another driver on the road acting aggressively. This is often known as road rage, and it happened to as many as 69.5% of UK drivers in 2023.

Road rage can take many forms, including:

But what are the causes of road rage? How can you stop it? And does your car insurance policy cover you if you’re involved in an accident caused by road rage? Our comprehensive guide answers all your questions.

What causes road rage in the UK?

Road rage can happen for many reasons, often because someone makes a mistake on the road and others react badly. Some common causes include:

It's not just about the environment. Stress, anxiety, tiredness or mental health issues can also lead to road rage.

How to prevent road rage

If you start feeling frustrated while driving or if another driver is making you uneasy, it's best to prevent road rage by pulling over to a safe spot. This gives you a chance to take a deep breath and calm down, or to distance yourself from aggressive drivers. By doing so, you can prevent situations from escalating and reduce the risk of accidents.

How to deal with road rage

If you get road rage, here are some tips to stay calm:

1. Don't drive when you're tired. Being tired makes it hard to spot dangers and drive safely, and it can affect your mood, leading to road rage.
2. Stay focused on the road. Keep music at a low volume and ask passengers not to distract you. This helps you react better to things that might upset you.
3. Pause before reacting. If something annoys you, take a moment to breathe and think before responding. If you react straight away, you may do something you regret later.
4. Let go of anger. Everyone makes mistakes on the road. Ask yourself if it's worth getting upset. Most of the time, it's not, so just let it go.
5. Give yourself time. Allowing plenty of time for your journey can help you avoid stress. If you're not rushing, you're less likely to get anxious or make mistakes while driving.
6. Plan your journey. Keep an eye on the traffic to see if there are delays on your route. By being proactive, you reduce the chances of traffic jams causing lateness, which can lead to anxiety at the wheel.

Dealing with road rage drivers

Sometimes, it's not you with road rage, but other drivers. Here are some tips to handle aggressive drivers:

1. Remain calm. If another driver is aggressive, try not to get stressed. Keeping cool helps prevent accidents.
2. Try not to react. Avoid shouting or making gestures at aggressive drivers. It can make things worse.
3. Handle pressure wisely. If another driver is pressuring you, stay composed and keep driving safely.
4. Admit your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. If you do, a simple hand gesture to apologise can help calm the situation.
5. Pull over. If another driver is being too aggressive and it's making you stressed, find a safe place to pull over. This will give you a chance to calm down and let the other driver pass.

Road rage incidents

Unfortunately, road rage can lead to car accidents, and it’s important to know what to do in these situations. Our comprehensive guide breaks down the steps you should follow if someone hits your car or if you hit someone.

If no one is hurt but you can't move your car, check if your insurance includes breakdown cover. If it does, call your provider for roadside assistance to help you get moving.

If you have car insurance and an accident was caused by another driver's road rage, you should be able to file a claim (known as a non-fault claim). With comprehensive coverage, your provider will cover the repair costs and then recover the money from the other driver's insurance. Be sure to get the other driver's insurance details if you plan to make a claim.

If an aggressive driver caused the accident, report it to the police. Collect as much evidence as possible, like their car details, dash cam footage or nearby CCTV footage.