In the past year, 11% of Walloons and 13% of Brussel residents have become so angry that they left their car ready to do battle with other motorists, according to statistics published by the VIAS Institute. There has been a surge in aggressive behaviour on Belgian roads, as driving habits return to “normal” after the pandemic.
7% of drivers have been victims of physical violence on Belgian roads this year, compared to just 2% before the pandemic in 2017. 6.5% openly admit to jumping out of their car to confront another motorist, up 4% from 2017. 54% of Belgians said that they had witnessed aggression on Belgian roads this year.
Statistically, French-speakers are the most aggressive Brussels drivers with 13% of the capital's drivers becoming aggressive after provocation whilst driving. 11% of Walloon drivers admit to doing the same – well above the national average of 6.5%.
In light of the findings, Federal Minister of Mobility Georges Gilkinet denounced the aggression. As part of the “All for Zero” plan, he is working to combat this trend and improve road safety.
“Other drivers are not punching bags! However, more than half of drivers report having been the victim of aggression during the past year and 1 in 15 to have been victim of physical violence; that is not acceptable,” he said.
What most annoys drivers
The Vias road safety agency claims that there is a direct link between aggressive behaviour behind the wheel and road accidents. “Drivers who are aggressive in traffic have been more often involved in an accident in the last three years than drivers who are rarely or never.”
Certain “irritating” behaviours on the road are more likely to lead to fisticuffs or aggression. According to the survey, hogging the middle lane is deemed the most irritating, ranked number one by a quarter of all respondents. Tailgating is rated second (14%), and the use of mobile phones number third (12%).
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In built-up areas, double parking is especially irritating for Brussels residents, cited by one in four respondents. The VIAS Institute gives motorists a few tips on how to stay calm behind the wheel.
“When you feel like getting angry, imagine that the driver who irritates you is your stepfather/stepmother or boss. You will quickly calm down. Keep smiling in all circumstances. You too make mistakes, these are usually unintentional.”
