2.5 million accidents caused by "romantic road rage"

Recent research from More Th>n reveals that Tiger Woods is not the only person to have been “driven to distraction” by a row with his wife. 1183 drivers in a relationship were asked about their driving habits after a row and it seems that “romantic” or “relationship road rage” could account for 2.5 million accidents on Britain’s roads.

It is not rocket science to deduce that driving when you are angry or upset is never a good idea but getting into the driving seat after a row really could be dangerous, with drivers admitting to driving erratically, aggressively or in a distracted fashion as a direct result of emotional turmoil.

More Th>n have got together with a relationship psychologist to work out just how different types of rows can affect you emotionally and what effect they are likely to have on your driving; they also recommend a cooling down period according to the type of row.

• The Silent Treatment – at least 5 min cooling off required to avoid releasing frustration by speeding
• The Snide Remark – at least 10 min cooling off required to avoid turning one’s anger towards other motorists
• The Heated Debate – at least 15 min cooling off required to avoid losing concentration
• The Exchange of Cross Words – at least 30 min cooling off required to avoid driving erratically
• The Blazing Row – at least 60 min cooling off required to avoid driving in a risky, aggressive and distracted fashion

There are also a number of recommendations from the psychologist, ranging from calling a friend so that you feel listened to, to deep breathing, depending on the nature of the spat.

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