ROAD TO HELL
BMW drivers were yesterday (Tues) named and shamed as Britain’s angriest motorists.
Motorists who own the flashy German built cars are more likely to tailgate, flick the finger and speed than anyone else on the road, a poll revealed.
More than half of all drivers said they had suffered a ‘bad experience’ at the hands of a BMW driver.
Much-maligned white van men came second in the poll, followed by Audi drivers and those who own Fords and Land Rovers.
Other motorists to make the top ten included Vauxhall drivers who were seventh. Drivers of Range Rovers, Volkswagen and Mercedes complete the top ten.
The study of 3,000 motorists also showed 17 per cent of people have had a bad experience with another motorist in the past week.
Lee Griffin, chief operating officer at Gocompare.com, said: ”Traditionally the white van man is stereotyped as a bad driver, but this is no longer the case.
”Although the white van man still features highly on the list, he has been well and truly over taken by BMW drivers – who Brits consider rude, dangerous and bad tempered.
”It is interesting to discover that lorry drivers come in at number six – as this shows you don’t have to drive particularly fast to scare other people on the road.
”Lorry drivers have a top speed of sixty, but if you have one tailgating you it can be very intimidating.”
Worryingly, 23 per cent of drivers have even confronted by a motorist who got out of their car after an abusive exchange.
Incredibly, more than one in 10 people have been involved in an accident which they claim was a direct result of road rage.
And 11 per cent have been forced to claim on their insurance after an encounter with an angry motorist.
Nine out of 10 drivers claim men are more likely to show signs of road rage, with 65 per cent of folk believing they encounter at least one intimidating driver on the road every hour.
The most frightening forms of behaviour include tailgating (58 per cent), other drivers pulling out in front of people (40 per cent), and speeding (39 per cent).
Four in 10 motorists also get worried when they witness others undertaking or driving faster on the inside lane of the motorway or dual carriageway.
A further 37 per cent of Brits feel most nervous when other drivers flash their lights to let them know they want to overtake, while 32 per cent are shocked to receive an offensive hand gesture when behind the wheel.
Lee Griffin added: ”There really is no excuse for bad behaviour and loss of tempers on the road, and we would recommend anyone who is feeling angry or emotional thinks twice before getting in the car.
”It only takes one wrong decision or thoughtless manoeuvre to cause a really serious accident – and if you’re thinking about waving an angry fist at someone, your full attention isn’t on the road.”
TOP 10 ANGRIEST DRIVERS
1.    BMW
2.    White van
3.    Audi
4.    Ford
5.    Land Rover
6.    Lorry
7.    Vauxhall
8.    Range Rover
9.    Volkswagen
10.    Mercedes
Research conducted by global market research company www.onepoll.com