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We’ve all been there: A driver makes unexpected lane changes and swerves in front of us and we feel the urge to yell, blow our horn or gesture at them. But unchecked emotions behind the wheel can lead to aggressive driving—or even road rage.
So what’s the difference between aggressive driving and road rage? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aggressive driving is operating a vehicle in a way that endangers—or is likely to endanger—people or property. Road rage is the extreme of aggressive driving, when behavior turns angry and violent. These extreme cases can escalate to become a criminal offense.
Here’s how to identify these dangerous habits—and how to prevent them.
Our cars are like metal safe havens: We feel protected in them—and they also help us feel anonymous to other motorists while driving. This anonymity, psychologists say, can lead to more aggressive, less-inhibited behavior. That driver in front of you doesn’t know who you are, the thinking goes, so you’re more likely to lay on the horn if he doesn’t move after the light turns.
When we get mad, we also can feel the urge to teach others a lesson, such as tailgating a slow driver. But focusing on others means that you’re not concentrating on your own driving—and that’s unsafe. This behavior can also lead to car accidents, personal injury or even fatalities.
Drive safe!
See more AAA research and tips for staying safe on the road.
