A new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that aggressive driving behaviors are a near-universal experience, with a staggering 96% of drivers admitting to engaging in road rage over the past year.
The study found that aggressive driving is “contagious,” meaning that the more drivers are exposed to hostility on the road, the more likely they are to drive aggressively themselves. According to the report, this creates a self-perpetuating cycle where impatience and anger become the norm behind the wheel.
“Driving can be a stressful experience due to behaviors of others on the road and how you respond to various situations,” said David Yang, PhD, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation. “Our study finds that experiencing various forms of aggressive driving behaviors is common for almost all motorists and many drive aggressively.”
The research, which updates a similar 2016 study, revealed several key findings:
92% of drivers reported aggressive behaviors that put others at risk, such as speeding or cutting off other vehicles.
11% admitted to violent actions, like intentionally bumping another car or confronting a driver.
Aggressive behavior has become more common, with cutting off other vehicles up 67% and honking out of anger up 47% since 2016.
The type of vehicle plays a role, as drivers in sports cars, large trucks, and motorcycles are often perceived as more aggressive, with some drivers saying they feel more powerful in these vehicles.
AAA is encouraging drivers to prioritize courtesy and safety to help curb the dangerous trend. The study found that promoting good road etiquette may be the most effective way to reduce road rage.
“Having good manners behind the wheel isn’t just about being polite,” said Jose Torres, PhD, AAA traffic safety advocacy and research manager. “It’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on the road.”
AAA offered the following tips for drivers to control their own road rage and respond to aggressive drivers:
If You Encounter an Aggressive Driver:
Stay Calm—Don’t Engage: Avoid eye contact, gestures, or any response.
Give Space: Let the aggressive driver pass and maintain a safe distance.
Protect Yourself: If you feel unsafe, call 911 or drive to a public place.
To Control Your Own Road Rage:
Breathe Before You React: Take a deep breath to help reset your drive.
Don’t Take the Bait: Ignore and avoid aggressive drivers.
Choose Time Over Tension: Leave early for your destination to avoid feeling rushed and to arrive safely.
3 comments
BMV needs to do a better job of screening out those who are unable to drive properly, instead of just handing out DLs like candy! Its ridiculous how many people cant follow basic driving rules and laws. And yes, its a problem that can be traced to certain genders and races. Thats a proven fact too.
I simply call Bull ticky on this study and headline Ask yourself – do your kids, parents yourself engage in this behavior? No Most drivers are calm and considerate of others
I can’t help but think there are a lot of inconsiderate drivers who would be a lot more courteous if they were dragged out of their car and beaten once in a while.
Not advocating for violence, but it’s ironic that reducing the amount of road rage increases the number and severity of stressors that trigger the response.