According to recent research, a startling 40% of UK drivers have experienced road rage in the last 12 months, prompting warnings to drivers to maintain composure on the road in order to avoid severe fines. Approximately 20 million drivers might potentially face fines as a result.

Antony Diggins, Managing Director of Warrantywise, commented on the number of drivers who experience road rage, saying: "Let's face it, driving in January can be stressful. Days are short, the weather is awful, and the traffic seems to be worse than ever.

He continued, "It's no wonder tempers flare behind the wheel and is a perfect storm for stressful commutes and, unfortunately, increased aggression behind the wheel. But what many people don't realise is how much our mood impacts not only our safety but also the health of our cars."

Diggins further explained: "Driving more calmly doesn't just make the journey smoother, it also puts less load on your car's systems, which can help its overall health. And while calmer driving can help prevent issues, it's always a good idea to have protection in place for those days or periods when things don't go as planned."

Drivers should remember that Rule 112 of the Highway Code mandates the car horn be used solely to inform other road users of one's presence, with inappropriate honking potentially leading to a £30 fixed penalty fine from the police, reports Birmingham Live.

However, if you decide to challenge the fixed penalty in court and lose, the costs could skyrocket, potentially leaving you with fines of up to £1,000. Even honking your horn at other drivers who have irritated you could land you in hot water, as using your horn aggressively is also against the rules.