Road rage appears contagious as AAA study finds 96% admit aggressive driving
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says exposure to aggressive driving fuels further aggression; experts urge etiquette and calm strategies to curb incidents
A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released Sept. 23 finds that 96% of drivers admitted to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors over the past year, and researchers say road rage can be contagious, fueling a culture of impatience behind the wheel. The findings highlight a potential public-health concern: elevated stress, impaired decision-making and safety risks that can extend beyond individual incidents to affect whole communities.
The study showed 92% had recently engaged in aggressive actions that endangered others, such as speeding or cutting off other cars. Only 11% admitted to violent road rage acts like bumping into cars or confronting other drivers. This pattern suggests that exposure to aggressive driving can influence others, creating a cycle of escalating heat on the road.
The research also found that car type may influence behavior. Drivers in sports cars, pickup trucks and motorcycles were observed as more confrontational, with many reporting they felt "more powerful and dominant" behind the wheel. Arriving late, the study notes, is considered preferable to arriving in handcuffs, a motto echoed by some participants and safety experts alike.
Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert, who spoke with Fox News Digital, said vehicles can serve as a form of armor that emboldens risky behavior. "Drivers feel shielded by two tons of metal and glass, which emboldens them to act in ways they never would face to face," he said. He cautioned patients to ask themselves how they would handle a situation if they were unprotected by a car's armor. "If I did not have the armor of the car to protect me, how would I deal with this?" he asked, offering a simple exercise to defuse anger. He advised calming music, deep breaths and not vilifying other drivers, plus the reminder that the goal is safe driving, not winning an argument on the road.
Experts say the most effective antidote to on-road aggression is encouraging good etiquette. Small actions—using turn signals, letting others merge and waving politely—can reduce heat in tense moments and lower the risk of escalation. In addition, the study emphasizes that road rage is not only a safety issue but also a health concern, linked to heightened stress, impaired decision-making and potential long-term effects on well-being.
To address persistent patterns of aggressive driving, clinicians recommend professional help when behavior becomes habitual. The study notes that tailgating, deliberate blocking or intimidation signals deeper issues such as unresolved frustration or impulse control problems, and therapy can help people develop healthier responses to stress.
Ultimately, the research highlights a self-reinforcing dynamic: exposure to aggressive driving increases the likelihood of aggression, which in turn exposes others to similar behavior. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says that understanding and breaking this cycle is crucial for both road safety and drivers' mental health.
For more information, the AAA Foundation continues to advocate for etiquette-focused interventions and safe driving campaigns as part of broader road-safety and public-health efforts.