A third of British people regularly drive while stressed - and half of them believe other motorists are to blame, a new study claims. Being tailgated is the biggest cause of anxiety among those polled, with bad weather also causing much stress on the road. One in three said they are often irritated by cyclists.

Driving in the UK in 2026 can be quite stressful for international visitors, primarily due to the "left-hand side" requirement and the high density of narrow, winding roads. In rural areas, "single-track" lanes with passing places require a high level of spatial awareness and local etiquette. In urban centers like London or Manchester, stress is compounded by Congestion Charges, strict Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), and an abundance of roundabouts that can be confusing for those used to grid systems. However, the UK has some of the safest roads in Europe, and the 2026 Government Road Safety Strategy has further reduced speed limits and increased enforcement to protect vulnerable users. While the high-quality motorway system (M-roads) is efficient, the sheer volume of traffic and the technicality of UK parking regulations mean that many tourists prefer the robust rail network over the anxiety of navigating a rental car through historic, cramped village streets.