Foul-mouthed UK motorists turn the air blue every two and a half miles, according to a study.
Researchers who polled 2,000 drivers found they typically swear 41 times during every 100 miles travelled.
The typical motorist 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 whopping 84 per cent weren’t aware cursing or making rude gestures at fellow motorists counts as ‘disorderly behaviour’ and could result in a fine.
Sylvie Childs, Hyundai Motor UK’s Senior Product Manager, said: “It’s been fascinating to delve into the mindset of drivers with this research, which has been commissioned as part of Clean Driving Month where we’re calling on all drivers to drive a little bit cleaner. Whether that’s getting in the right mindset to keep their attitude and language clean, improving their driving style or championing the benefits of alternative fuels.”
The research also found nine in 10 UK adults admit to swearing when behind the wheel – however parents are the most controlled with 61% saying they don’t swear when children are in the vehicle.
In fact, 45 per cent revealed they substitute swear words with ‘friendlier’ versions such as ‘fudging hell’ or ‘what a plonker’ when they are with the kids.
Getting cut up, those who park over two spaces and seeing someone text while driving are among the most common catalysts for curse words.
Carried out through OnePoll.com, the Hyundai research also found 38 per cent are especially prone to losing their cool when driving.
And four in 10 motorists revealed driving is when they tend to swear most often.
But despite the high rate of swearing, 46 per cent don’t think they curse too much when behind the wheel.
Although, 39 per cent 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.
As part of Clean Driving Month, Hyundai have teamed up with consumer psychologist Patrick Fagan, who’s provided some tips on how Brits can help 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.”
TOP 30 – THINGS MOST LIKELY TO MAKE US CURSE
- Someone cutting you up
- When someone nearly changes lanes into you
- When you see someone texting and driving
- When someone doesn’t use their indicator
- A pedestrian stepping into the road without looking
- When someone leaves their high beams on
- Someone driving too slowly in front of you
- When people park over two spaces
- When someone doesn’t thank you for waiting for them
- When someone stays in the middle lane of the motorway
- Getting stuck behind a tractor
- When someone beeps at you
- When a cyclist runs a red light
- When a lorry slowly overtakes another one, causing a tailback
- When you get flashed by a speed camera
- When you’re stuck in traffic
- Getting stuck behind a cyclist
- Running late
- Being stuck in a traffic jam
- When someone undertakes you on the motorway
- Someone speeding past you
- Getting stuck behind a lorry
- When someone takes too long to park
- When people ‘rubberneck’ at traffic accidents
- One of your passengers ‘backseat driving’
- Getting stuck behind a bus
- Getting stuck behind a milk float
- Hitting a red light
- Having to slow down for speed bumps
- Being held up by an accident up ahead
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