A new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found 96 per cent of drivers admitted to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors over the past year.
The study also found that the more drivers are exposed to aggressive behavior on the road, the more likely they are to drive aggressively themselves.
“Driving can be a stressful experience due to behaviors of others on the road and how you respond to various situations,” said Dr David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
“Our study finds that experiencing various forms of aggressive driving behaviors is common for almost all motorists and many drive aggressively.
“This work also concludes that road etiquette and manners can be a protective factor against aggressive driving. Let’s change our driving culture so we can achieve the safe mobility vision for all road users.”
Other key findings from the report include:
- 92% of drivers reported aggressive behaviors that put others at risk, like speeding or cutting off other vehicles. Their top motivators were to get to their destination faster and avoid perceived danger.
- 11% admitted to violent actions such as intentionally bumping another car or confronting another driver.
- Aggressive driving is contagious: Drivers who experienced higher levels of aggressive driving also had higher levels of engagement in aggressive driving.
The AAA has offered the following top tips to motorists if encountering an aggressive driver:
- Stay calm – don’t engage.
- No eye contact, no gestures, no response.
- Give space.
- Let them pass and keep your distance.
- Protect yourself.
- Call 911 or go to a public place – never drive home.
The AAA has offered the following top tips to control road rage:
- Breathe before you react
- One deep breath can reset your drive.
- Don’t take the bait
- Ignore and avoid aggressive drivers.
- Choose time over tension
