Aggressive gestures are one of the top threatening behaviours faced by drivers

Blocking the road (42%), verbal aggression (34%) and aggressive gestures (56%) are among the top threatening behaviours motorists around the world experience while driving, according to 2016’s MobilityMonitor Survey from LeasePlan.

The two most aggressive behaviours that the 4,869 drivers surveyed claim to have experienced are being cut up (70%) and tailgating (70%). A quarter (25%) of motorists also admit to committing the latter themselves.

With specific reference to British drivers, LeasePlan’s MobilityMonitor Survey reveals more than three-quarters (77%) claim they have experienced other motorists driving dangerously quickly, yet nearly half (45%) do it themselves, with Gen Y drivers being the biggest culprits of driving too fast (61%).

UK motorists do, however, appear to be some of the least aggressive drivers in the world.

Although almost one in 10 (9%) admit to tailgating, this compares to nearly one-fifth (18%) of Americans and 14% of Asians who admit to doing the same.

And, compared to Australia (17% ) and Asia (15%), British drivers are least likely to give other drivers aggressive gestures (12%).

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), careless or aggressive driving is the fourth biggest cause of fatal road crashes in the UK.

Drivers not indicating (15%) and other motorists driving really slowly (11%) are also among the biggest annoyances of drivers around the world.

Mobile phone use behind the wheel also fell under the top annoyances of drivers globally, with LeasePlan’s MobilityMonitor Survey revealing that the UK (17%), USA (22%) and Italy (17%) are most frustrated by this.

Last week, the Department for Transport outlined tougher six-point and £200 penalties for drivers caught using their mobile phone behind the wheel.

Lesley Slater, LeasePlan UK’s operations and business development director, said: “Aggressive behaviour on the road, such as tailgating, rude gestures or being cut up, can impact concentration levels and increase the risk of a collision.

“To keep all road users safe, it’s important that drivers don’t react to everything perceived as an injustice on the road.

"Every one of us is trying to get from A to B as quickly, safely and efficiently as possible and it’s more important than ever to be more tolerant and show consideration for other users on our congested roads.”