About 80% of drivers have mental dialogues with other road users.

The majority of Russian drivers (77%) they communicate mentally with other road users, creating a kind of internal dialogue on the road. Analysts of the Rambler&Co media holding and the Sberbank ecosystem for motorists told Izvestia about this on July 29.

According to the study, 65% of respondents initially treat other drivers with trust if they do not provoke conflict situations. 8% of the respondents take a neutral position, while 27% perceive their neighbors in the stream as a potential source of stress and constantly remain vigilant.

Drivers are most sympathetic to predictable and polite behavior on the road (26%). Understanding and support are also appreciated, for example, tolerant attitude towards inexperienced drivers (22%). One in five survey participants (19%) responds positively to gratitude expressed by emergency light signals or gestures. Assistance in difficult situations, such as towing, is noted by 16% of respondents, and 14% appreciate unsolicited but useful tips about technical malfunctions of the car.

However, a friendly attitude can quickly turn to irritation. The main irritants were aggressive driving and provocations (26%), ignoring traffic rules (21%), arrogance (20%), inattentiveness and phone use while driving (18%), as well as disregard for informal rules of traffic etiquette (12%). Only 3% of the respondents remain friendly in any situation.

Four out of five drivers try to be friendly on the road. The most common gesture is to safely pass hurrying cars (40%). 24% of respondents practice warning about danger by flashing their headlights. Some drivers help with repairs or push stuck cars (6%), give navigation tips (3%), call emergency services or give a ride to a service station after an accident (3%).

"The feeling of "road unity" most often arises from mutual concessions on high-speed sections (32%). Overcoming traffic jams and bad roads together unites 13% of drivers, while 7% feel a connection with owners of similar cars. Moving in one direction for a long time creates a sense of community among 6% of respondents," the analysts added.

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The study also showed that 33% of drivers use light signals to communicate, 29% prefer gestures, and 9% address other road users directly. Only 1% use chat rooms in navigation apps. At the same time, 25% of motorists prefer not to show emotions on the road.

"The study proves that Russians remember and understand that they are not alone at the wheel. Every gesture, even the simplest one, can change another person's mood for the better. Kindness, predictability, and attention to others make trips safer and more enjoyable," the study noted.

On July 29, <url> experts told Izvestia that Russian drivers demonstrate different views on how long a car retains its novelty. Almost a third of respondents of all ages (30%) believe that even with a mileage of 20,000 km, a car can be considered new if it is in excellent condition.