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This shocking number comes from a study on road rage across Europe. It included surveys filled out by drivers and–by their own admission. You could call the French the road-rage champions of Europe. Why? Perhaps because 20% admitted they are “no longer really the same person when driving and are more agitated, impulsive or aggressive than in normal life.” Read on for more surprising statistics–and video of Paris drivers.

Distracted driving may be causing some of this frustration. Of all the European motorists surveyed, 78% admitted to taking their eyes off the road to look at their phone or infotainment system–a growing epidemic on both sides of the Atlantic. So how do the French respond? Seventy percent of drivers start with verbal insults. Only the Greeks tied the French in their willingness to resort to fighting words.

With 12 million citizens in its greater metro area, the city of Paris is far and away the largest urban center in Europe. While one in five French drivers admit to adopting an aggressive alter ego to deal with traffic, this percentage is even higher among Parisians. In addition, one in ten French drivers has an “every person for themselves” philosophy towards the road.

So what about hitting other vehicles? The Guardian chose to put the word “hitting” in quotes, so perhaps not every strike is on purpose. One third of French drivers also admit to driving too close to another vehicle if the driver has annoyed them–whether that’s tailgating or passing close by to hurl insults. So while some of these hits may be on purpose, others may be rear-endings and side-swipes resulting from this reckless behavior. Yikes!

Frenchman pointing his finger out his window during traffic.
Road rage | Phoenixns via iStockPhoto

The study is the 10th annual one of its kind, conducted by the Vinci organization. Bernadette Moreau of Vinci said, “The vast majority of French are extremely indulgent towards their own driving, but much less so with that of others.” Most French motorists described their own driving as “calm and courteous” but are quick to dismiss others as “irresponsible and dangerous.”

Where does this philosophy originate? It may in part come from France’s sheer love of speed. This is, after all, the country that hosted the first rowdy automobile race in 1893. France also is home to the oldest race still running, the 24 Hours of Le Mans–which first took place in 1923. These folks even build the world’s fastest production car: the Bugatti Chiron Supersport which hit 304 mph.

Next, find out why France is urging its male motorists to “drive like a woman,” or learn more about France’s reputation for aggressive driving in the video below:

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.