by Aggressive Road Behavior is Becoming the Norm
Each of us has encountered manifestations of road rage and aggressive driving personally or has seen it online. If it seems that this phenomenon is becoming more and more common, it’s not just a feeling. New research from AAA confirms that it is not only growing, but almost all of us are participating in it to some extent. Fortunately, there is a solution in which we can all take part.
The research acknowledges that defining aggressive driving and road rage is not very straightforward. Several pages are devoted to distinguishing these two concepts, and they are basically summarized by this definition:
“Any dangerous driving behavior that is committed intentionally, with ill intentions or with disregard for safety and affects others.”
What is Considered Aggression?
For example, speeding on an empty road would not be considered aggression, but driving fast on a busy highway would. 96% of drivers admitted that they had driven aggressively over the past year. 92% confessed to speeding or abruptly cutting off other vehicles.
Since 2016, the number of incidents where drivers abruptly cut off other cars has increased by 67%. Honking at others out of anger has increased by 47%. 11% of people confessed to violent actions, such as hitting another car or confronting another driver. The main image in the article is just one example of such an incident that happened earlier this year in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
“Driving a car can be a stressful experience due to the behavior of others on the road and how you react to different situations. Our research shows that encountering various forms of aggressive road behavior is a common occurrence for almost all motorists, and many drive aggressively,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Not All is Bad
Despite the increase in certain types of behavior, there are also positive shifts. Tailgating has decreased by 24% since 2016, and yelling at other drivers has decreased by 17% over the same period. AAA suggests that simple courtesy and patience can play a protective role, improving both safety and the daily driving experience.
“This work also concludes that road etiquette and manners can be a protective factor against aggressive driving. Let’s change our driving culture so that we can achieve the vision of safe mobility for all road users,” Yang added.
Does the Type of Car Influence Behavior?
Interestingly, the research also points to the role of the type of vehicle. Drivers of large trucks, sports cars, and motorcycles reported higher levels of aggression, with some even admitting to feeling more powerful or dominant behind the wheel of these vehicles. However, the solution here is extremely simple: do not engage.
AAA recommends leaving earlier to eliminate the stress associated with time. Do not make eye contact, do not gesture, and do not respond to other aggressive drivers. Let them pass and remove yourself from the situation. And if the situation gets out of control, the last step is obvious: call 911.
Main Image: Murfreesboro Police
The increase in aggressive driving may be linked to a general rise in stress levels in society and the habit of constant accelerated communication, which is transferred to the road. The decrease in such manifestations as tailgating may indicate the effectiveness of safety campaigns aimed specifically at this particular type of violation. It is important to understand that road safety is a collective responsibility, and a change in the behavior of even a small part of drivers can significantly improve the situation for everyone.
