Nine out of 10 parents get ‘road rage’ on the school drop-off from busy roads and bad driving

null Credit: Getty NINE in 10 parents have encountered road rage during the school run, research has revealed. A study of 1,000 mums and dads who do the morning drop-off found traffic was a major source of frustration, with cars parked irresponsibly, vehicles blocking the road and motorists speeding among the biggest gripes. Nine in 10 parents have encountered road rage during the school run, according to new research Credit: SWNS Shockingly, 30 per cent of respondents’ children have nearly been hit by another vehicle, and five per cent have actually been in a collision. While 21 per cent reckon the driving behaviour around schools is worse after returning from the holidays due to busier roads and families rushing to get back into school timings. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! And 38 per cent think driving around campuses has worsened in recent years, with 71 per cent finding the experience stressful. As a result, 34 per cent have either reduced driving their children to school altogether – with a further 34 per cent considering doing the same. A spokesperson for IAM RoadSmart, a road safety charity which commissioned the research, said: “The school run can be one of the most challenging times of day for drivers, parents and children alike. “Many families are juggling work commitments, busy schedules and the pressure of getting everyone where they need to be on time, so it’s understandable people can sometimes feel rushed. “Around schools, children can be unpredictable and road conditions can change in an instant, which is why slowing down, staying patient and leaving a little extra time for the journey can make all the difference.” The research also found almost a third (29 per cent) admitted to driving faster than intended due to being late. Most read in Motors A further 28 per cent have beeped their horn during the drop-off, 27 per cent have parked somewhere they normally wouldn’t and 13 per cent admitted to using a mobile phone while stationary in traffic. It comes as 77 per cent agreed children pick up habits from watching how adults behave behind the wheel on the school run. In total, 39 per cent said they feel rushed when driving their child to and from school most days, with only 15 per cent saying they rarely feel it. Worryingly, 41 per cent claimed being rushed had a negative impact on their driving, data from OnePoll.com revealed. The biggest frustrations about the school run are the number of cars around the school gates (35 per cent), parents rushing or driving impatiently (32 per cent) and long queues (31 per cent). The morning run was voted the most stressful journey, followed by the afternoon pick-up and after-school clubs. When quizzed on what could be done to improve safety around schools, there were calls for more designated drop-off areas (40 per cent), better enforcement of illegal parking (39 per cent) and lower speed limits (36 per cent). Others want more visible school crossing patrols (26 per cent), more traffic-calming measures (26 per cent) and even staggered drop-off or pick-up times (25 per cent). A spokesperson for IAM RoadSmart added: “It is worth remembering children are always watching. “The habits they see from adults today can shape the attitude they take into the driver’s seat in years to come. “Whether it’s speeding, aggressive driving, illegal parking or using a phone behind the wheel, our actions send a powerful message.” Comment now