Road rage is increasing, and instances of drivers cutting one another off are skyrocketing | Carscoops

      New data indicates that road rage is on the rise, with 96% of drivers acknowledging aggressive behaviors, and AAA offers a straightforward solution.

      AAA's research reveals that 96% of motorists confess to having driven aggressively over the past year. Instances of cutting off other drivers have surged by 67% since 2016, although tailgating has seen a 24% decrease.

      The study encourages drivers to remain calm, maintain a safe distance, and adhere to proper road etiquette.

      Many of us have encountered road rage and aggressive driving, both in real life and online. If it seems more common, it's not just your imagination. A recent AAA study confirms that these behaviors are increasing and that nearly all drivers engage in them to some extent. Fortunately, there appears to be a solution that everyone can adopt.

      The report suggests that clearly defining aggressive driving and road rage can be complex. Various sections tackle the differences, ultimately summarizing aggressive driving as "any unsafe driving behavior executed intentionally, with malicious intent or disregard for safety, that affects others."

      What Constitutes Aggression?

      For instance, speeding on an empty road wouldn’t be considered aggressive, whereas speeding on a busy highway would. In terms of statistics, 96% of drivers confessed to aggressive driving in the previous year, with 92% admitting to speeding or cutting off other vehicles.

      Since 2016, incidents of cutting off other cars have increased by 67%, and honking in anger has risen by 47%. Additionally, 11% of respondents reported committing violent acts, such as bumping into another car or confronting another driver. The lead image illustrates one such incident from earlier this year in Murfreesboro, TN.

      “Driving can trigger stress due to the behaviors of others on the road and each person's response to various situations. Our study shows that nearly all drivers encounter aggressive driving behaviors, with many admitting to driving aggressively,” stated Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

      Not All Bad News

      Despite the spike in specific aggressive behaviors, there are some positive trends. Tailgating has decreased by 24% since 2016, and yelling at other drivers has fallen by 17% in the same timeframe. AAA posits that simple acts of courtesy and patience can help improve both safety and the overall driving experience.

      “This research also concludes that maintaining road etiquette can serve as a protective factor against aggressive driving. Let’s work towards changing our driving culture to ensure safe mobility for all road users,” Yang emphasized.

      Do Certain Vehicles Affect Behavior?

      Interestingly, the study also suggests that the type of vehicle impacts aggressive behavior. Drivers of larger trucks, sports cars, and motorcycles reported higher levels of aggression, with some admitting to feeling more powerful or dominant behind the wheel of these vehicles. The remedy here is straightforward: avoid engaging with aggressive acts.

      AAA advises leaving early to alleviate time-related stress, avoiding eye contact, refraining from gestures, and not responding to aggressive drivers. Allow such drivers to pass and move on from the incident. If a situation escalates uncontrollably, the final step is clear: call 911.