Experts have issued a stern warning to drivers to remain calm on the road today or they could see their vehicle claims rejected if they get in an accident.
Today, Monday, January 20, marks Blue Monday, which is believed to be the most depressing and saddest day of the year since people are back at work and in their usual routine.
Despite the gloominess around the day, motoring experts are calling on drivers to remain calm and positive, especially when they're behind the wheel.
New research has found that almost 40 per cent of UK drivers have admitted to experiencing road rage over the past year, equating to potentially 20 million drivers.
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Around 40 per cent of the country has admitted to suffering from road rage
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With the darker mornings and evenings, as well as the congestion on the roads as people get back to work, Blue Monday could result in millions of Britons taking their frustrations out on the road.
The research found that aggressive behaviour, such as abrupt braking, rapid acceleration, and sharp manoeuvres, could likely result from drivers experiencing road rage.
These actions can place increased strain on key vehicle components and can lead to the degradation of critical systems like brakes, clutches and suspension systems.
Antony Diggins, Managing Director of Warrantywise, said: "Let's face it, driving in January can be stressful. The weather's miserable, the days are short, and the traffic just seems worse than ever.
"It's no wonder tempers flare behind the wheel and is a perfect storm for stressful commutes and, unfortunately, increased aggression behind the wheel.
"But what many people don’t realise is how much our mood impacts not only our safety but also the health of our cars."
He called on motorists to adopt a more composed approach when on the road to ensure the health of their cars remains stable and they do not cause unnecessary accidents.
Potential vehicle repair costs can also be damaging to motorists, who could be required to fork out hundreds or even thousands of pounds for car parts.
Diggins added: "Driving more calmly doesn't just make the journey smoother, it also puts less load on your car’s systems, which can help its overall health.
"And while calmer driving can help prevent issues, it's always a good idea to have protection in place for those days or periods when things don’t go as planned."
The most common causes of road rage tend to be people who fail to indicate before turning, other vehicles tailgating and slow driving.
Data suggests that London, Nottingham and Sheffield are hotspots for road rage. All of these cities have large driving populations and bad traffic rates, adding to motorists' stress levels.
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Previous data from Compare the Market found that 75.5 per cent of people could risk breaking Highway Code rules as a result of their behaviour behind the wheel.
Rule 112 states that the horn must only be used to warn other motorists of their presence, whereas many drivers may still use their horns to express their frustration.
