Road rage 'causes 800 deaths a year'

Date: 2/8/2010

Road rage and disrespectful driving are taking hundreds of lives each year, new research has revealed.

A report by insurer AXA showed 35 per cent of drivers involved in accidents in which someone was killed or injured were made angry or frightened by another motorist moments before the incident.

Craig Staniland, Director at AXA, said: "If we can cut back the number of accidents involving [personal injury] through a less aggressive and more considerate approach to the way we drive then it will be to the benefit of all drivers."

He added that if changes are not made, insurance premiums will continue to increase, which might lead to a greater number of uninsured drivers.

AXA estimates that £35 of every person's annual car insurance pays for accidents caused by road rage.

And research carried out earlier this year by the insurer found that 52 per cent of motorists have been on the receiving end of a "significant" act of road rage.

Furthermore, a recent study by insurance firm Admiral showed many drivers want stricter rules on the road with over three-quarters of respondents saying the legal driving age should be higher than 17.

Posted by Sarah Bailey