UK motorists stuck in jams for a fortnight

British drivers waste two weeks of their life stuck in traffic jams every year, according to motor insurance company Zurich.

Over three quarters (76 per cent) of the country’s motorists experienced a jam during the first May Bank holiday week - with 11 per cent reporting that the longest jam they had ever been in had lasted an astonishing six hours.

It is the effect of the jams that is causing most concern as the boredom factor can put British motorists at risk. Nearly a third (31 per cent) admit to using their mobile phone, nearly one in five (17 per cent) abandon their car to stretch their legs, with just under half (46 per cent) eating and drinking while behind the wheel.

As well as wasting time, traffic jams are also making our blood boil. The mental toll takes effect with 61 per cent complaining of frustration, 37 per cent stress and 21 per cent anger. Going beyond the emotion, more than a quarter (27 per cent) admit they have shouted or sworn at other motorists, 12 per cent have resorted to a risky manoeuvre to escape the traffic and one in 20 (six per cent) have even driven along the hard shoulder.

The worst roads are in motorists’ local town or city, according to the report, which is where almost half (45 per cent) experience the most severe gridlock. One in five (20 per cent) say motorways are the worst and 18 per cent are suffering the most on the roads near their local school.

Worryingly, despite numerous road improvements, the vast majority (82 per cent) believe jams are more common than they were five years ago. But when it comes to changing their own behaviours, only eight per cent of Brits say they are considering abandoning driving for public transport.

Despite their irritation, drivers are finding innovative ways to cope. Almost a third (32 per cent) of motorists who have experienced traffic problems sing when they are in a jam, 31 per cent daydream and 23 per cent talk to themselves.

Over the Easter and May Day bank holidays this year, a massive 10 and a half million people were caught in traffic. One in five (19 per cent) victims said they feel they spend every bank holiday weekend stuck in a jam, with the worst road culprits being the M25 (24 per cent) and the M1 (18 per cent). It is not all bad news though as despite the time we spend stuck in jams, 16 per cent actually believe that traffic is worse abroad than in the UK.

Roy Seeds, head of motor underwriting at Zurich Insurance says, “Despite our love affair with the car, traffic jams are a fact of life. It’s always best to check the travel news before setting out, but if you do get caught up in traffic, don’t get frustrated with them, find a way to remain calm and alert. Risking a quick escape from a queue may look like short term gain, but could end up in long term pain if you get caught.”