Even the most calm and merciful drivers are guilty of yelling expletives at other road users from time to time, but what exactly is it that pushes our buttons when behind the wheel?

The motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have compiled a list of the most common reasons British drivers are compelled to scream, shout and make rude gestures in the car – and some of them we’ll all be guilty of.

Most people will agree that fellow road users who cut up traffic are possibly the main cause of frustration when travelling the daily commute.

And pulling into a car park to find that the last two spaces have been taken up by the same inconsiderate driver who has parked across the lines is enough to drive most people to insanity.

Yet whatever it is that pushes your buttons, making the effort to remain calm and collected in these situations is a much better alternative to getting het up and distracted at the wheel.

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk commented: “Many Brits will be guilty of tailgating or hogging the middle lane from time to time, but not only can this cause road rage amongst other road users, they’re also criminal offences that can carry hefty fines.

“If any of the points in our list resonate with you, our best advice would be to ensure you’re not perpetrating any of them.

“Of course, we all make mistakes, but if we are consciously being extra cautious and considerate, we can take small steps to becoming a much happier nation of drivers.”

Cutting up traffic

Have you even been blissfully cruising along a road and another driver cuts across your path, causing you to slam on the brakes, endure a mild panic attack and pray for your life? We’ve all been there, and it’s truly infuriating.

Failing to use indicators

Someone waiting at a T junction isn’t actually intending to drive straight on across the road and plough into the building straight ahead, surely. So, are they going left, or right? It’s a guessing game.

Parking across two bays

Maybe this isn’t quite so annoying if there’s still plenty of space left in the car park? Actually, no. This is always infuriating.

Waiting for the “correct” petrol pump

Practically all pumps will be able to reach both sides of your car unless you’re driving a tank, so stop holding everyone up and just get on with it.

Phone fiddlers

There is simply nothing worse than cruising down the motorway on your daily commute, glancing at the driver in the next lane and seeing them looking down at their phone. Not only are they putting their own lives at risk, but also the lives of all the drivers in their vicinity. It’s not big, nor clever, and no text reply is urgent enough to warrant the risk involved – the potential outcome of this situation could be worse than you can possibly imagine.

Unhelpful satnavs

Sometimes part of a road isn’t passable for some reason – roadworks, for instance – yet the satnav insists on telling you to do a U turn and try again. How far do you have to drive on before it finally gives up and finds an alternative route? And what about when you’re driving along a country lane and the satnav tries to tell you you’re in the middle of a field? Not helpful.

Overzealous braking

There’s nothing ahead of you, so why do you feel the need to press your brakes every 10 seconds? This is even more frustrating – and dangerous – on dual carriageways or motorways.

Middle lane hoggers

Middle lane hoggers slow down traffic, cause congestion and make it impossible to overtake so should rightfully be banned from both the motorway and all forms of civilised society.

Lane weavers

Heaven forbid that they should not be in the fastest moving lane for every second of their journey. In, out, in, out… are they driving or doing the Hokey Cokey?

Tailgating

Very annoying and stressful. It’s best to just let them pass when it’s safe to do so.