Nine in 10 parents have encountered road rage during the school run, research has revealed. A study of 1,000 mums and dads who do the morning drop-off found traffic was a major source of frustration. Cars parked irresponsibly or blocking the road, and speeding motorists were among the biggest gripes.
Shockingly, 30% of respondents' children have nearly been hit by another vehicle, and 5% have actually been in a collision. A fifth believe bad driving behaviour around schools is worse after returning from the holidays as the roads are busier and families are readjusting to the school routine again.
Worsening conditions and stress
What's more, 38% think driving around school has worsened in recent years, with 71% finding the experience stressful. As a result, 34% have either reduced driving their children to school altogether – with a further 34% considering doing the same.
A spokesperson for IAM RoadSmart, a road safety charity which commissioned the research, said: "The school run can be one of the most challenging times of day for drivers, parents and children alike. Many families are juggling work commitments, busy schedules and the pressure of getting everyone where they need to be on time, so it's understandable people can sometimes feel rushed."
Risky driving behaviours
The research found almost a third (29%) admitted to driving faster than intended to because they were late. A further 28% have beeped their horn during the drop-off, while 27% have parked somewhere they normally wouldn't, and 13% admitted to using a mobile phone while stationary in traffic.
In total, 39% said they feel rushed when driving their child to and from school most days. Worryingly, 41% claimed being rushed had a negative impact on their driving, data from OnePoll.com revealed.
Frustrations and calls for change
The biggest frustrations about the school run are the number of cars around the school gates (35%), parents rushing or driving impatiently (32%) and long queues (31%).
When quizzed on what could be done to improve safety around schools, there were calls for more designated drop-off areas (40%), better enforcement of illegal parking (39%) and lower speed limits (36%). Others want more visible school crossing patrols (26%), more traffic-calming measures (26%) and even staggered drop-off or pick-up times (25%).
A spokesperson for IAM RoadSmart added: "It is worth remembering children are always watching. The habits they see from adults today can shape the attitude they take into the driver's seat in years to come. Whether it's speeding, aggressive driving, illegal parking or using a phone behind the wheel, our actions send a powerful message."
