Top 30 things that make motorists curse

Foul-mouthed UK drivers turn the air blue every two and a half miles, according to a new study.

Researchers who polled 2,000 motorists found they typically swear 41 times during every 100 miles travelled.

The typical driver commutes 373 miles to and from work during an average month and in the process they’ll curse 152 times on average.

During a month of school runs, where 64 miles are covered on average, they’ll typically use a naughty word 26 times.

Commissioned by Hyundai, the research found a massive 84% weren’t aware cursing or making rude gestures at fellow motorists counts as ‘disorderly behaviour’ and could result in a fine.

As part of Clean Driving Month, Hyundai has teamed up with consumer psychologist, Patrick Fagan, who has provided tips on how motorists can ‘clean up their attitude’ behind the wheel.

Patrick, who’s based at Goldsmiths University, said: “It’s interesting to see that British drivers swear as often as 41 times every 100 miles, the challenge is making sure drivers don’t cross over from ‘auto annoyance’ to ‘road rage’.

“There are ways that everyone can ensure they’re in a positive mindset when they get behind the wheel – from removing distractions, listening to peaceful music or eating some chocolate.”

Not in front of children

The research also found nine in 10 UK adults admit to swearing when behind the wheel. However, 61% of parents polled said they never use profanities when children are in the vehicle.

In fact, 45% revealed they substitute swear words with ‘friendlier’ versions such as ‘fudging hell’ or ‘what a plonker’ when they are with the kids.

Four in 10 motorists revealed driving is when they tend to swear most often. But despite the high rate of swearing, while 46% don’t think they curse too much when behind the wheel. Although, 39% have sworn while driving and felt bad about it later on.

If you want to avoid a surge of guilt after the event, you’re best off avoiding the M25. The 117-mile motorway encircling almost all Greater London was identified as the major motorway or A road most likely to make those polled curse – followed by the M6 and the M1.

Top 30 things that make motorists curse

1. Someone ‘cutting you up’
2. Nearly being rammed by a driver changing lanes
3. Seeing someone texting and driving
4. Drivers who don’t indicate
5. A pedestrian stepping into the road without looking
6. Drivers who drive with full beam on and blind you
7. Someone driving too slowly in front of you
8. Parking across two spaces
9. Drivers who don’t thank you for waiting for them to pull out
10. Motorway middle lane hoggers
11. Being stuck behind a tractor
12. People who beep at you for no reason
13. Cyclists who run a red lights
14. When a lorry slowly overtakes another one, causing a tailback
15. Being get flashed by a speed camera
16. Being stuck in traffic
17. Getting stuck behind a cyclist
18. Running late
19. When someone undertakes you on the motorway
20. Someone speeding past you
21. Getting stuck behind a lorry
22. When someone takes too long to park
23. ‘Rubbernecking’ at accidents
24. One of your passengers ‘backseat driving’
25. Getting stuck behind a bus
26. Getting stuck behind a milk float
27. Hitting a red light
28. Having to slow down for speed bumps
29. Being held up by an accident up ahead
30. Noisy passengers