New research has shown the worst day on UK roads for incidents of road rage. Experts believe that some days of the week are far more prone to anger while driving than others and whilst Friday might often be associated with feelings of relief and excitement ahead of the weekend, it has been deemed to be the worst day for road-related frustration.
While aggressive driving can happen throughout the week, Friday stands out as the most stressful for drivers across Britain. Increased traffic, tiredness, and time pressure combine to heighten the risk of road rage incidents. Plates Express concludes: “Understanding that Fridays are particularly challenging can help drivers plan and stay calm. Anticipate delays, leave extra time, and don’t let frustration dictate your behaviour. A little patience goes a long way in keeping everyone safer and calmer on the roads."
It remains unclear why Friday might make drivers more prone to getting angry at the wheel, but higher than usual traffic volumes, time pressures to arrive at a destination and commence weekend plans and fatigue are all noted as potential reasons.
They add: "When you combine tiredness, busier roads, and drivers in a hurry, even small mistakes can spark aggressive behaviour.
"Tailgating, honking, and abrupt lane changes all increase because frustration boils over faster."
The research shows the most common irritations on the road which although minor, can often be the catalyst for foul language, gesturing and worse.
Middle lane hogging, slow-moving vehicles and unexpected lane changes are amongst the most common reasons for road rage.
Plates Express notes: "While these behaviours happen every day, the combination of Friday traffic and pre-weekend mindset amplifies reactions. Small irritations that might be ignored on a Monday can become major flashpoints.”
London and the M25 are cited as one of the most commonly affected areas for incidents, with Manchester and Birmingham also highlighted.
A combination of long delays and high commuter volumes are given as a possible reason for increased likeliness of seeing or experiencing road rages on those stretches of roads.
For those travelling on Friday, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of growing frustration at the wheel.
Plates Express advise that maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid provoking or being provoked, avoiding peak frustration hours if possible and leaving extra time to reduce the stress of being late by building in a buffer are all simple measures that can prevent incidents of road rage.
