AAA Warns Road Rage is on the Rise – 96% of Drivers Admit to Driving Aggressively & Being on Receiving End

Road rage looks to be on the rise, AAA reports after a recent study conducted by the organization’s Foundation for Traffic Safety. According to research from AAA, 96% of drivers have admitted to driving aggressively, but also say they have been on the receiving end of aggressive drivers. Aggressive driving included speeding, tailgating, cutting off other vehicles and more.

AAA says their study also found more drivers are exposed to aggressive behavior on the road and will more likely drive aggressively themselves.

“Driving can be a stressful experience due to behaviors of others on the road and how you respond to various situations. Our study finds that experiencing various forms of aggressive driving behaviors is common for almost all motorists and many drive aggressively,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “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 findings in the study showed 92% of drivers reported aggressive behavior that put others at risk such as speeding and cutting vehicles off. The argument? To get to a destination faster and avoid perceived danger. Out of the instances, 11% of drivers admitted to violent actions such as bumping another vehicle or confrontation with another driver. 

Since 2016, drivers cutting off other vehicles is up by 67%, AAA reports. Honking at vehicles out of anger up nearly 50%, at 47%. However, tailgating was reported to be down and yelling at other drivers as well, 24% and 17% respectively. 

AAA says the best thing you can do if you encounter an aggressive driver on the road is to stay calm and not engage, give them space, and protect yourself (dial 9-1-1 or travel to a public place) and never drive home.

You can also control your road rage by breathing before you react, not taking the bait from another driver, and choosing time over tension such as leaving early to your destination, giving space, and arriving safe.