Hot-headed drivers shout, gesture and lose their cool

4 min read
  • Three quarters of drivers admit to swearing while driving
  • Other drivers’ behaviour, traffic, roadworks and diversions are the main reason for outbursts
  • Backseat driving fuels ‘car‑guments’ for almost one in five drivers, and 17% say they often argue about other motorists’ behaviour
  • Churchill is urging motorists to keep their cool ahead of the long weekend

 

With the Easter getaway almost upon us, new research1 by Churchill Motor Insurance suggests that busy roads and poor driving behaviours are pushing many motorists to the limit. More than three quarters (77%) of drivers admit to swearing behind the wheel, with most (71%) outbursts triggered by other people’s bad driving. Triggers include being cut up, tailgating or failing to indicate. Traffic and roadworks or diversions add to the anger, sparking 38% and 30% of outbursts respectively.

Churchill is highlighting the findings as a reminder of how quickly emotions can rise on the road - and why staying calm is important for everyone’s safety. For some families, these outbursts are having an impact on everyday life, with one in 20 drivers saying their children have picked up swear words from hearing them in the car.

The survey shows how frustrations can boil over behind the wheel, with more than a third of drivers (34%) admitting to shouting at other road users, despite knowing they can’t be heard. A further 25% express their irritation through angry hand gestures, and “What are you doing?!” hand motions, and 17% resort to using their horn.

Table one: Behaviours and issues that trigger swearing

Triggers

Percentage

Other drivers’ poor driving e.g., cutting you up, tailgating, not indicating

71%

Traffic jams / delays

38%

Someone driving too slowly

32%

Roadworks / diversions

30%

Missing a turn / getting lost

29%

Running late or being under time pressure

23%

Not being able to find a parking space

 22%

Trying to fit into a parking space

14%

Bad weather making driving harder

12%

Passengers being distracting/squabbling

11%

Source: Churchill Motor Insurance

Many of these tensions also spill over into ‘car‑guments’ with fellow passengers. One in six (17%) say they regularly argue about other drivers’ behaviour, while one in seven admit to squabbling over traffic congestion and delays. However, the most common gripe, cited by almost one in five (18%), is back‑seat drivers offering unsolicited criticism or advice.

Roads often tend to be busier over long weekends and bank holidays, so it’s advisable to plan ahead, check for road works that may affect journeys, and set off in good time to allow for traffic and breaks if needed.

Kevin Mead, Head of Churchill Motor Insurance, said:

“Driving is one of the most emotionally charged everyday activities, and these findings show just how quickly frustrations can bubble up. While venting is natural, it’s important that it doesn’t spill over into behaviour that could distract drivers or escalate tensions on the road. Keeping your cool is key, planning ahead, choosing quieter times to travel, and taking a break when you need one can all help make journeys safer and more enjoyable.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  1. Research conducted by Opinium, amongst a representative sample of 2,000 UK adults, data collected between 06.03.2026 – 10.03.2026.

For further information please contact:

Unni Henry

Churchill Brand PR

Email: unni.henry@aviva.com

Churchill

About Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line and is part of the Aviva Group.

Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0300 200 300 or visiting www.churchill.com