According to a recent study you are 10 times more likely to crash whilst angry than when a mobile phone.
The study which was carried out by Virginia Tech found that motorists who were “emotional”, “sad” or “agitated” are around five times more likely to crash compared to those chatting on their mobile. The results were uncovered after researchers recorded every movement of a model and angry motorist made on every journey for up to two years, results showed that aggressive drivers were 9.8 times more likely to cause an accident than those who are composed behind the wheel.
The research was echoed Road safety adviser Noel Gibbons who said the most habitual aggressors are in an argumentative and antagonistic state of mind even before they get into their car. Mr Gibbons told reporters: “They see their car journey as a contest between themselves and other drivers who they believe shouldn’t be on the road in the first place.
“In order to avoid a confrontation motorists should not overreact. They should put their pride in the back seat, don’t challenge the other driver by speeding up or attempting to hold your own. “Don’t endanger yourself by trying to evade the driver, don’t gesture or retaliate in any way and avoid eye contact.”