A growing number of motorists believe UK roads are becoming more hostile and less safe, with aggressive driving, road rage and distraction now key concerns, according to new research from Aviva.
The insurer’s survey of 4,000 UK adults found that 51% of people feel less safe on the roads today compared to recent years, highlighting a worrying shift in how drivers perceive road behaviour. Almost a quarter (24%) cited more aggressive and intimidating drivers as the main reason for this decline in confidence.
Concerns about driver temperament were particularly strong. More than a third (36%) believe drivers are angrier and more prone to road rage, while 29% feel motorists are generally more dangerous than they used to be. Around one in five respondents (22%) think people are taking greater risks on the road, with rising traffic levels making driving feel more stressful and unpredictable.
Driver ability and overreliance on technology also featured prominently. Nearly one in five (19%) feel driving standards have declined, while 23% believe motorists now rely too heavily on in-car assistance systems such as lane keeping aids and automatic emergency braking. Despite this increased use of technology, 12% say newer vehicles have more complex features that can be distracting or confusing.
Distraction overall remains a significant concern, with 31% believing drivers are more distracted than before. Background noise such as music, radio or podcasts was highlighted by 24% as a potential contributor. This aligns with Rule 148 of the Highway Code, which warns drivers that loud music can mask important external sounds, including emergency vehicle sirens.
Commenting on the findings, James Driscoll, Motor Claims Manager at Aviva, said concerns about road safety are driven as much by driver behaviour as vehicle choice. He emphasised the importance of staying calm around aggressive drivers, avoiding confrontation, and keeping distractions to a minimum by preparing navigation and in-car settings before setting off.
For driver and rider trainers, the findings reinforce the importance of behavioural awareness, emotional control and distraction management within learning and post-test development. Helping learners recognise risk, manage stress and avoid overreliance on technology remains central to improving safety and rebuilding confidence on UK roads.
One Response
Police funding {especially traffic}, over the l4 decades seems to have developed a ‘ little chance of getting caught’ culture, which has gradually changed attitudes as possibly some parents show youngsters the current norm, in particular post code areas??