Raging British drivers swear 41 times every 100 miles, new study reveals

A staggering 84 percent of foul-mouthed British drivers are not aware their gestures could land them a fine for 'disorderly behaviour'

Angry British motorists are advised to listen to 'peaceful music' following results of study

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 for 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 swear 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.

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.

Mr Fagan, 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.”

Chocolate is one way of manifesting a positive mindset behind the wheel says consumer psychologist Patrick Fagan (Neuhaus)

Sylvie Childs, Hyundai Motor UK’s senior product manager, added: "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 61 per cent of parents polled said they never use profanities 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 cursing.

Carried out through OnePoll.com, Hyundai's 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.

TOP 30 - THINGS THAT MAKE US CURSE

Someone "cutting you up"

Nearly being rammed by a driver changing lanes

Seeing someone texting and driving

Drivers who don't indicate

A pedestrian stepping into the road without looking

Drivers who drive with full beam on and blind you

Someone driving too slowly in front of you

Parking across two spaces

Drivers who don't thank you for waiting for them to pull out

Motorway middle lane hoggers

Being stuck behind a tractor

People who beep at you for no reason

Cyclists who go through red lights

When a lorry slowly overtakes another one, causing a tailback

Being flashed by a speed camera

Being stuck in traffic

Getting stuck behind a cyclist

Running late

When someone undertakes you on the motorway

Someone speeding past you

Slow drivers and middle-lane hoggers are on a list of things which annoy drivers

Getting stuck behind a lorry

When someone takes too long to park

"Rubbernecking" at accidents

One of your passengers backseat driving

Getting stuck behind a bus

Getting stuck behind a milk float

Getting a red light

Having to slow down for speed bumps

Being held up by an accident up ahead

Noisy passengers

SWNS