2:33pm UK, Monday December 05, 2005

Almost a third of British drivers have admitted to damaging their own vehicle in fits of road rage.

Some drivers have snapped off the indicator stick, while one driver got so frustrated she smashed a car window with her handbag, according to new research.

180 angry motorist kicking car tire road rage

Ouch! Cars take brunt of road rage

Of 3,000 people surveyed, 12%said they have resorted to kicking their vehicle, while 2% have even copied TV character Basil Fawlty by hitting their car after it had broken down.

But some remain unashamed of their actions, a third of those who had given their vehicle a whack said they felt better afterwards.

As many as 80% of motorists said they felt aggressive behind the wheel at some point.

The main reasons cited for car rage were the behaviour of other drivers, followed by traffic jams and busy roads.

Dixon Motors, which carried out the survey, said the problem of owners damaging their vehicles was increasing.

Its Chief Executive John Haines warned: "Getting stressed and aggressive not only has a detrimental effect on your driving, it also has the potential to cause accidents."