AS millions across the UK mark the beginning of Lent new research suggests there may be something far more urgent to give up than chocolate or alcohol - anger behind the wheel.

New survey data released by road safety tech brand OOONO reveals that road rage has become a defining feature of UK driving culture, with almost half of drivers saying they have experienced road rage while driving.

One in six say it happens often, while almost a third experience it occasionally - suggesting road rage is now the norm rather than the exception on Britain's roads.

The research, conducted among more than 2,000 UK drivers, highlights the emotional toll of modern driving as well as modern life.

More than one in ten say they feel stressed, anxious or emotionally overwhelmed every single day while driving, rising to 40 per cent when those who feel this several times a week or more are included.

When asked about the most common triggers contributing to UK drivers' stress levels, lack of sleep ranked highest (33 per cent), followed by work pressure (29 per cent), financial pressure caused by cost of living (27 per cent), family or relationship pressures (24 per cent), health concerns (21 per cent), post-Christmas expenses (14 per cent).

"Driving has become one of the main pressure points of modern life," said Sean Morris, OOONO's UK chief operating officer. "By the time people get into the car, they're often already carrying stress from work, family or financial worries. The road is where that pressure comes out - and unfortunately, it's coming out as anger."

The findings also reveal a clear gender split. More than half of men (51 per cent) say they have experienced road rage, compared with 42 per cent of women. Men are also more than twice as likely to say they experience it often compared to women (22 per cent vs nine per cent).

The research results show that drivers aged 35-44 were the most likely to experience road rage on a regular basis, with 29 per cent reporting frequent incidents. This compares with 21 per cent of drivers aged 18-34, 6 per cent of those aged 45-54, and just 4 per cent of drivers aged 65-74.

"While road rage is often dismissed as ‘bad driving', this research shows it's much more personal than that," added Morris. "It's not just what's happening on the road - it's what's happening in people's lives."

Despite traffic being widely blamed for aggressive driving, the research suggests congestion is not the primary cause of road rage for most drivers. Instead, internal pressures such as work stress, financial strain and family responsibilities appear to be key triggers, with the car becoming the place where emotions finally boil over.

With Ash Wednesday marking a time of reflection and self-control, OOONO believes Lent presents a rare opportunity for drivers to reset their behaviour on the road.

"Lent is about pausing, reflecting and giving something up. Giving up anger on the road - even just for 40 days - could make journeys safer, calmer and healthier for everyone. If we can change how we feel behind the wheel, we can change how our roads feel too," concluded Morris.

While 24 per cent of drivers say they have never experienced road rage, OOONO says the research proves calmer driving is achievable - and that giving up anger this Lent could be one of the most meaningful sacrifices UK drivers make this year.