Nine in 10 parents face road rage on school run as kids put at risk by dangerous driving
The school run is turning into a daily road rage nightmare, with children nearly hit by cars and parents admitting to risky driving.
Research of 1,000 mums and dads who regularly tackle the morning drop-off found traffic is one of the biggest headaches — with badly parked cars, vehicles blocking roads and speeding among the top complaints.
And the consequences can be terrifying.
Nearly three in 10 parents said their child has almost been hit by another vehicle, while five per cent said their youngster had actually been involved in a collision.
More than seven in 10 parents described the school run as stressful, while 21 per cent believe driving around schools gets even worse after the holidays, when roads become busier and families scramble to get back into their routines.
The research, commissioned by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart and carried out by OnePoll, also found 38 per cent believe driving around schools has deteriorated in recent years.
Some parents admit they have been part of the problem.
Almost a third — 29 per cent — said they had driven faster than intended because they were running late. Meanwhile, 28 per cent had sounded their horn, 27 per cent had parked somewhere they normally wouldn't and 13 per cent admitted using their mobile phone while stationary in traffic.
A staggering 39 per cent said they feel rushed while driving their children to or from school most days, while 41 per cent claimed that pressure has negatively affected their driving.
The biggest frustrations include the sheer number of cars around school gates, cited by 35 per cent, followed by impatient parents at 32 per cent and lengthy queues at 31 per cent.
The morning drop-off was voted the most stressful journey, ahead of the afternoon pick-up and trips to after-school clubs.
Parents have plenty of ideas for making the roads safer, including designated drop-off zones, tougher enforcement of illegal parking and lower speed limits.
But there is another reason for adults to put their foot on the brake — their children are watching.
Some 77 per cent agreed youngsters pick up driving habits from the adults around them.
IAM RoadSmart warned that speeding, aggressive driving, illegal parking and phone use can all send children the wrong message about road safety.
The charity's message to frazzled parents? Slow down, stay patient and leave a little extra time.