Traffic congestion is taking a toll on UK drivers, with almost three-quarters (72%) admitting it negatively impacts their mood, according to research by Uswitch car insurance. Frustration (59%), stress (37%) and irritability (36%) were the most commonly reported emotions associated with being stuck on the road.

With nearly 42 million vehicles on UK roads, traffic delays are a daily frustration for many. The average UK driver spent 62 hours in congestion last year alone, underlining the persistent challenge facing motorists.

How drivers cope with congestion

To alleviate the stress of being stuck in traffic, drivers turn to various distractions. Listening to the radio (56%), playing music (55%), chatting with passengers (25%), tuning into podcasts (17%), and calling friends or family (14%) were the most popular ways to pass the time.

Among those who engaged in these activities, most found them effective in improving their mood:

• Listening to music: 91% reported a positive impact.
• Listening to podcasts: 89% found it beneficial.
• Chatting with passengers: 87% said it helped.
• Calling friends or family: 87% experienced mood improvement.
• Listening to the radio: 85% found it useful.

The biggest causes of traffic jams

Drivers cited road works as the leading cause of congestion, with 64% blaming infrastructure projects for delays. Overcrowded roads (41%) and driver incidents such as accidents (33%) were also significant factors. Regional variations revealed that poor driver behaviour was a key concern in Northern Ireland (35%), while bad weather was particularly blamed in the North East (36%) and Greater London (25%).

Expert advice for managing traffic stress

Leoni Moninska, a car insurance expert at Uswitch, shared advice on minimising the impact of congestion on drivers:

• Plan your journey in advance. Even if it’s a regular route, checking traffic updates and planning alternative routes can help avoid delays. Navigation apps provide live updates on road conditions, and if possible, travelling outside of peak hours can reduce the risk of getting stuck.
• Prioritise safety. Stay aware of your surroundings even when stationary. If using distractions to pass the time, ensure they don’t compromise attention on the road. Using a mobile phone while stopped in traffic is still illegal and can result in prosecution. Additionally, staying in your vehicle and keeping your seatbelt on can minimise injury risks in case of an accident.
• Consider alternative transport options. To reduce time spent in traffic and its impact on well-being, look at other transport methods. Over half (51%) of respondents have considered alternatives, such as using public transport with dedicated routes or walking shorter distances instead.

With congestion remaining a significant issue on UK roads, drivers are increasingly turning to in-car entertainment and careful planning to mitigate stress and frustration.