The researchers commissioned by the Korean carmaker polled 2,000 drivers and discovered that they swear typically 41 times during every 100 miles travelled. In fact, the typical motorist commutes 373 miles to and from work, during an average month, and in the process is likely to curse 152 times. During a month of school runs, where 64 miles are covered on average, they will use a naughty word typically on no less than 26 occasions.

Ironically, a whopping 84% of respondents were not aware of their cursing, or making rude gestures at fellow motorists, which might count as ‘disorderly behaviour’ and could result (if spotted) in a fine.

Sylvie Childs, Hyundai Motor UK’s senior product manager, said: “It’s been fascinating to delve into the mindsets of drivers through this research, which we commissioned as part of Clean Driving Month, where we’re calling on all drivers to drive a little bit cleaner. Whether that’s getting in the right mindset to keep their attitude and language clean, improving their driving style, or championing the benefits of alternative fuels.”

The research also revealed that 90% of us admit to swearing, when behind the wheel. Fortunately, parents are more controlled, with 61% stating that they do not swear, when children are in the vehicle. In fact, 45% substituted swear words with ‘friendlier’ versions such as ‘fudging hell’, ‘fiddlesticks’, or ‘what a plonker’, when they are with the children, or elderly relatives.

Getting cut up, reacting to inconsiderate parkers and seeing someone text (while driving) are among the most common catalysts for curse words. The Hyundai research also found 38% of drivers are especially prone to losing their cool, with 40% admitting that driving is when they are most swearing-prone. Despite the high rate of swearing, 46% did not believe that they curse too much behind the wheel, although, 39% have sworn while driving and felt bad about it later.

If you want to avoid a surge of guilt after the event, you are advised to avoid the M25. London’s orbital, 117-mile motorway was identified as the major curse motivator, followed by the M6 and the M1.

According to consumer psychologist, Patrick Fagan, based at Goldsmiths University: “It’s interesting to note that British drivers swear as often as 41 times every 100 miles, the challenge is making sure drivers don’t cross over from ‘auto annoyance’ to ‘road rage’. There are ways that everyone can ensure they’re in a positive mindset when they get behind the wheel, from removing distractions, listening to peaceful music, or just eating some chocolate.”

TOP 30 THINGS MOST LIKELY TO MAKE US CURSE

1. Someone cutting you up
2. When someone nearly changes lanes into you
3. When you see someone texting and driving
4. When someone does not use their indicator
5. A pedestrian stepping into the road without looking
6. When someone leaves their high beams on
7. Someone driving too slowly in front of you
8. When people park over two spaces
9. When someone does not thank you for your courtesy
10. When someone stays in the middle lane of the motorway
11. Getting stuck behind a tractor
12. When someone beeps at you
13. When a cyclist runs a red light
14. When a lorry slowly overtakes another one, causing a tailback
15. When you get flashed by a speed camera
16. When you are stuck in traffic
17. Getting stuck behind a cyclist
18. Running late
19. Being stuck in a traffic jam
20. When someone undertakes you on the motorway
21. Someone speeding past you
22. Getting stuck behind a lorry
23. When someone takes too long to park
24. When people 'rubberneck' at traffic accidents
25. One of your passengers is 'backseat driving'
26. Getting stuck behind a bus
27. Getting stuck behind a milk float
28.  Arriving at a red light
29. Having to slow for speed humps
30. Being held up by an accident ahead