MALE drivers are turning to personal attack alarms, repellent sprays and even, in extreme cases, replica guns and crowbars to protect them from other road users' aggressive behaviour. A survey commissioned by motoring and public transport group Arriva has found that four out of five men carry an item that they consider provides some personal security.

These include personal attack alarms (14%), crowbars (12%), repellent sprays (5%) or even a knife or replica gun. Women drivers tend to use more defensive means of security with 43% owning personal alarms and 59% carrying mobile phones for safety reasons. The study of 500 drivers from around the country indicates, Arriva says, that reports of road rage and increases in aggressive behaviour are creating a climate of fear.