Tailgating is the biggest cause of road rage on motorways, a survey said The problem is so bad that in more than two in five cases, motorists react by slowing down or braking sharply to annoy the tailgater, a survey from insurance company Direct Line showed.

The survey also found that 84 per cent of drivers ignore the 70mph motorway speed limit, with most thinking the current limit is too low. The survey also showed that the average speed in the outside lane of a motorway is about 87mph.

Lane-hogging, failing to signal, driving too slowly and overtaking on the inside are other bugbears for motorway drivers.

Based on responses from 2,370 adults, the survey also showed that eight per cent tend to stick to one lane on a motorway with most of these saying it is easier and safer.

North east England motorists tended to drive the fastest on motorways (79mph). Drivers in Yorkshire, Wales and the west of England are most keen to see speed limits rise on motorways.

Direct Line's motor spokesman, Emma Holyer, said: "With the average speed on the fast lane nearing 90mph, tailgating and braking suddenly is extremely dangerous.

"It is frustrating when other road-users are driving badly, but reacting aggressively only makes things worse."

She added: "Over two million drivers have been involved in a motorway accident and more than 14 million motorists have experienced motorway rage.

"If all drivers make a conscious effort to drive considerately on motorways it will help to reduce the number of accidents and road rage incidents."