Ireland could be suffering from a road rage epidemic if figures from a new survey by Aviva are correct. The survey arrives on the very day when a man from Rush, Co. Dublin, was convicted with a suspended sentence for stomping on the head of a fellow motorist during just such an incident.
Majority of motorists experience road rage at least monthly
According to the Aviva survey, which polled 1,000 Irish people, 858 of whom are drivers, 12 per cent say that they experience road rage on a daily basis. More than half - 55 per cent - witness or experience road rage on at least a monthly basis. 21 per cent say that they witness or experience road rage on a weekly basis.
According to Aviva's figures, some 12 per cent of both men and women surveyed admitted to experiencing or witnessing road rage incidents daily, highest amongst those aged 25-34 years at 18 per cent. More men (41 per cent) than women (33 per cent) claimed they rarely witnessed or experienced road rage, highest amongst those in the older age cohort of 55+.
Aggressive and angry driving behaviours
Julie Frazer, Underwriting & Product Lead, Aviva, commented on the research findings: "The results of this survey highlight the extent of road rage incidents that are happening on our roads on a daily basis. Aggressive and angry driving behaviours such as tailgating, speeding, and erratic lane changes can significantly increase the risk of accidents on our roads. These behaviours not only endanger the aggressive driver themselves but also pose a serious threat to other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. The heightened stress and anxiety caused by encountering aggressive drivers can also impair the judgment and reaction times of other motorists, further escalating the likelihood of accidents.”
Distracted driving
The Aviva survey also looked at distracted driving and some of the bad habits Irish drivers engage in behind the wheel. More than two in five (41 per cent) admitted to eating or drinking while driving, and the same percentage adjusted their in-car entertainment. A significant 71 per cent of motorists chat with passengers, while 44 per cent take or make calls on their mobile phones, using hands-free. However, of greater concern are the eight per cent of drivers who admitted to using their mobile phone handset to take and make calls, the seven per cent who read text messages while driving, and the four per cent who watch something on their phone or in-car entertainment while driving or stopped at lights. Some three per cent of respondents admitted to putting on make-up while driving. Of those surveyed, only 14 per cent claimed not to engage in any of these activities when driving.
Phone use
Taking and making calls using their mobile phone handset is highest amongst drivers aged 18-34 and those aged 45-54, with an almost equal number of men and women, eight per cent and seven per cent, respectively, doing so. Those most likely to read text messages while driving are highest amongst respondents aged 25-44, at ten per cent.
Julie Frazer said: "Equally concerning are those drivers who engage in distracting behaviours while driving. We all know how busy our roads are and the need for motorists to pay full attention to navigate safely and protect both themselves, their passengers and other road users. Distractions while driving such as eating, adjusting, or watching in-car entertainment, reading text messages, or using mobile phones will significantly increase the risk of accidents. We have all seen the horrific ads on TV where a driver who is distracted for a very short while finds themselves in a serious accident, the impact of which they may have to live with for the rest of their lives. These behaviours divert attention from the road, impairing reaction times and decision-making abilities. The alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for drivers to stay focused and minimise distractions to ensure the safety of all road users. The survey results underscore the need for increased public awareness and education on the potential dangers of road rage and distracted driving. We would urge motorists to prioritise their safety by staying vigilant and minimising distractions while driving.”