Motoring’s season of [bad]will

A study by Halfords Autocentres suggests that motoring goodwill has been in short supply this Christmas. The research found that drivers are concerned about the levels of impatient, aggressive and inconsiderate driving – which they say increases at this time of year.

Almost  a quarter of motorists (23 per cent) who took part in the research said they felt that unfriendly, bad tempered behaviour – such as failing to allow drivers out at junctions, lane hogging and not indicating – is a major issue during the winter months.

One in five motorists (20 per cent) also felt that there was a rise in aggressive and impatient driving – such as tailgating, speeding and using car horns or lights to intimidate other road users.

Rory Carlin from Halfords Autocentres said: “From our survey drivers are noticing a general lack of courteous driving at this time of the year. It seems that the festivities take their toll on the nation’s road manners and tempers flare leading to less kindness and unselfish behaviour from some motorists.”

Carlin added: “We know that winter road conditions are a cause for concern amongst motorists but they also feel that ill-mannered and aggressive behaviour by other drivers is making things worse. As 2014 starts a good resolution would be for all drivers to be more considerate.”

Wet, dark and slippery conditions mean more than a third of motorists are anxious or genuinely frightened about driving at this time of year – so to arm motorists  with information on how to stay safe Halfords Autocentres has worked with former SAS Sergeant Major and survival expert John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman to create a handy Winter Survival Guide. This can be downloaded here.