Growing concern over road rage – with Gen Z and Millennials the angriest drivers

New research[i]reveals that Gen Z and Millennials are responsible for beeping their horn the most

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, adding to concern about increasingly aggressive drivers.

Of the 2,000 people surveyed by IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, one is six (66%) said they are more concerned than last year about aggressive drivers.

Gen Z and Millennials are the angriest age group, with 63% of those aged 17-34 admitting to sounding their horn with fury, compared to just 42% of those aged 70 and over.

More than eight in ten (81%) of those surveyed have been tailgated - which is a contributory factor in 1 in 8 collisions[ii] - in a 30mph road in the past 12 months. Three-quarters reported being tailgated on a motorway or dual carriageway, with men more likely to fall victim than women.

Middle lane drivers are also a source of wrath, with 63% confessing to have undertaken, or seen someone undertake a lane hogger, risking points on their licence or a £100 fine. More than eight in ten (83%) strongly support the use of 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.

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 they were 12 months ago. Department for Transport figures[iii] show that car volumes are broadly consistent with pre-pandemic levels, however weekend vehicle use appears to be higher. This indicates that it is congestion on leisure rather than commuting journeys that is causing frustration.

The news comes as celebrity Rylan Clarke sparked debate after complaining about pedestrians who walk across zebra crossings without thanking drivers, saying he was ‘stuck in traffic and annoyed’.[iv]

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.”