Four in five learner drivers (81%) have experienced abuse and intimidation from other road users while driving.
Learner driver insurers Marmalade figures show that abuse and intimidation towards learner drivers is on the rise, with 59% of driving instructors saying it has increased since the start of the pandemic.
The findings come after Marmalade surveyed over 1,000 learner drivers and more than 400 driving instructors from across the UK.
The behaviours reported as commonplace on UK roads include tailgating (68%), dangerous overtaking (65%), beeping (59%) and being cut up (44%), with some drivers getting out fo cars to confront learners (4%).
The report found a whopping 99% of driving instructors have witnessed abuse directed at their pupils, with 61% of respondents reporting the most incidents at roundabouts and 32% at traffic lights.
The intimidation is leading to an increase in errors on the road, with 72% of instructors saying learners are making more mistakes following abuse on the roads.
Commenting on the research and the launch of a UK Government petition, CEO of Marmalade, Crispin Moger said, “This issue means a lot to us and is something we feel incredibly passionate about. It’s something that impacts the majority of our customer base which means we have a responsibility to help.
“That’s why we’re calling on the Government to help – our research found that 54% of all respondents would support on-the-spot fines for abuse, with 50% suggesting anger management courses and 35% backing three penalty points.
“We’re asking the Government to do more to prevent on-road bullying of learners by introducing measures to impose stronger sentences on drivers who drive carelessly or dangerously around learner drivers.”
