We are usually pretty forgiving when someone bumps into us on the sidewalk or at the mall. Our instinct is to apologize or step aside, but we usually don’t scream at, stalk, or attack the other person.
But when you put us in the car, something changes. People who appear to be calm in their daily lives suddenly start driving erratically, honking their horns, or yelling at strangers. Problems at work or at home can suddenly explode in the form of righteous anger against other road users.
Road rage increases the risk of accidents, and road rage victims often have children in the car.
So why does driving bring out the worst in us? And more importantly, what can we do about it?
Many victims of road rage incidents have children in the car at the time. Oksana Szfreić/Shutterstock
Road rage remains common
Recent research shows that road rage remains common in Australia.
In September 2024, insurance company NRMA reported that a survey of 1,464 members in two states found that many had witnessed incidents of road rage including:
Distracted driving (71%) A driver beeps at another driver (67%) A driver makes angry gestures at another driver (60%) A driver intentionally cuts in front of another vehicle (58%) A driver getting out of the car and confronting the other driver (14%)) stalking (10%) and physical assault (4%).
Another insurance company, Budget Direct, surveyed 825 people last year and found that around 83% had experienced being yelled at, sworn at or subjected to rude gestures by others on the street ( 18% increase from 2021).
Additionally, 87% of female respondents said they had dealt with this type of behavior from other road users.
Common triggers for driver anger include erratic driving, being perceived as rude (such as not waving “thank you”), and witnessing someone else driving dangerously. .
Aggressive driving behavior tends to be more common among young male drivers.
Road rage is a global problem, and studies have found that it remains common in countries such as Japan, the United States, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, although the extent varies greatly from country to country.
Some of us are more likely to become enraged while driving than others. F01 PHOTO/Shutterstock
Who is more likely to experience road rage?
Some of us are more likely to become enraged while driving than others. One way researchers measure this is through a test tool known as the Driving Anger Scale.
Data from many studies using this test show that drivers who are generally prone to anger are more likely to channel that anger into aggression. They get irritated more, act faster on their emotions, take more risks, and are more likely to get into anger-related crashes as a result.
Research shows that female drivers experience anger just as much as male drivers, but are less likely to act negatively in response.
Female drivers tend to experience more anger in certain situations, such as when faced with hostile gestures or traffic obstructions, compared to male drivers.
Distracted driving is a common trigger for road rage. Sue Thatcher/Shutterstock
How can I reduce road rage?
In the car, we are physically separated from others, creating a sense of distance and anonymity, two factors that lower our normal social filters. Encounters feel fleeting.
You are more likely to not be held accountable for your actions than if you were outside the vehicle. Still, we recognize that the stakes are high, as mistakes and bad decisions along the way can have serious consequences.
The combination of isolation, stress, and the illusion of living in a bubble can increase frustration and anger.
Research suggests that techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy may be helpful.
These include learning to identify when you are starting to feel angry, trying to find alternative explanations for other people’s behavior, using mindfulness and relaxation, and distancing yourself from triggers. It includes trying.
The American Automobile Association also suggests that you can reduce road rage accidents by becoming more considerate drivers yourself. Always use your indicators, avoid collisions with other cars, and maintain a safe distance from other cars.
Stay calm when other drivers are angry and allow extra time on the road to reduce stress.
If triggering anger is a frequent problem, consider seeking support and anger management resources.
Even if you are normally a calm person, you may suddenly become angry while driving. half point/shutterstock
Avoiding angry ruminations, or at least being aware of them, makes a big difference. This happens by repeating over and over in your mind an event that triggers your anger, such as being cut off in traffic. Instead of letting it go, they cling to it, increasing their frustration and making it difficult to stay calm.
Recognizing this pattern and changing your focus, such as taking deep breaths or distracting yourself, can prevent anger from escalating into aggression.
More broadly, public awareness campaigns highlighting the link between anger and dangerous driving could also encourage more drivers to seek help.
The next time you get behind the wheel, remember that other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are just strangers, people you might pass by without thinking on the street.
We are good at forgiving small mistakes in non-driving situations. Let’s try to bring the same patience and understanding to the road.
