'Romantic' road rage 'causes 2.5m car accidents in UK'

London, Apr 21 (ANI): While Tiger Woods hit headlines and got into big trouble when he crashed his car into a tree after a row with wife Elin, a new research has revealed that such scenarios are quite common.

Driving after a heated row with a partner has been responsible for nearly 2.5million accidents, according to the survey carried out by insurance company More Than.

One in 12 of drivers in relationships admitted crashing following a tiff, with one in three saying they have seen red and taken off in their car following an argument.

As many as 36 per cent of drivers pay less attention to the road after a quarrel and 19 per cent said they drove erratically as a result of a row, says the survey of 1,183 motorists.

Psychologist Honey Langcaster-James said triggers for a crash ranged from a partner's snide comments and silent treatment to blazing rows that could require up to an hour's cool-off time before motorists should get behind the wheel.

"Being upset, angry or frustrated with a partner or lover is a sure-fire way to distract from safe and responsible driving," the Daily Mail quoted her as saying.

"With personal issues racing through their mind, drivers are at risk of subconsciously releasing tension by driving fast, or on the other hand being distracted by their heartache.

"The acute emotional turmoil that a blazing row causes can lead a driver to speed, behave aggressively toward other drivers, drive too close to other vehicles and take unnecessary risks such as overtaking when it's dangerous," she added.

Mark Christer, from More Than said: "It's vital that drivers understand how getting behind the wheel in an overly emotional state could be the cause of a serious, or even fatal, accident." (ANI)