Is it just me or has there been an increase in the number of drivers who are completely intollerant of even the most minor error, delay or hesitation by other drivers?
Some examples:
I work on a busy high street so have to park several roads back on a residential street. This street is fairly narrow with a lot of parked cars but I can usually find a space very quickly due to most of the houses having driveways. When I enter the street, I slow down keeping my eyes peeled for a space which, as I said, I find quickly (within seconds). However, on a number of occasions, I have been bleeped at angrily by a car behind for slowing down who has then driven off at speed once I've pulled over into a space (I always drive in, never reverse). Yesterday's Mr Angry not only felt the need to beep several times but verbally abused me as he sped past! I've realised that these drivers are using this road as a cut through to avoid queuing for the roundabout on the main road but that's no reason to drive like a lunatic down a residential street! Colleagues, who also park round there, have experienced the same, so it's not just me!
A friend said she was verbally abused by a driver for failing to let him out. She admits she retaliated by telling him to fuck off (not ideal!) but it got her back up and shows that aggression breeds aggression.
Lastly, a friend was tailgated for several miles because, after realising she was in the wrong lane in slow moving traffic on the approach to a roundabout, signalled and moved across in front of another car. The experience half scared her to death!
I'm an experienced driver of many years but it's starting to make me nervous and I worry I'll meet a real lunatic who does more than just beep (which is intimidating enough!)