Among the many motorists that induce headaches when travelling on the road, the worst offenders it seems are van drivers.

Fellow motorists have voted van drivers the most inconsiderate and rudest of all road users in a new survey on driver habits by VanInsurance.

The online insurance specialist has discovered that the so-called White Van Man, nominally a tradesperson of small business user, headed the list of rudest motorists. Taxi drivers were second on the survey, ahead of young drivers, old people and larger lorry drivers.

The survey, which polled some 1,500 people, revealed that the most commonly annoying habit that was typified by van drivers was cutting off or cutting in front of fellow drivers. Pulling out in front of other vehicles and tailgating far too close were also common gripes.

Van drivers were also found to commonly use inappropriate hand gestures or physical gesticulations in addition to their perceived undisciplined driving. Fellow motorists were also upset by van drivers swearing at them and generally showing a lack of respect and courtesy. In addition to the general unpleasantness found in their actions, the bad behaviour of van drivers was also seen as contributing factor to potential accidents and unsafe driving conditions.

Rude people are no fun to deal with at any time, but on the road seems to heighten the tension. Rude drivers were found to cause anxiety, frustration, road rage and at worst, accidents.

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