(File Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a staggering 96% of motorists admit to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors over the past year. The more motorists are exposed to behavior that is aggressive on the road, the more likely they are to drive aggressively themselves is what this study found. The normal behind the wheel behavior is turning into a cycle of both road rage and aggressive driving in a self-fulfilling cycle. According to a release from AAA East Central, here is some more information about what this study found and more information about the AAA Foundation for Public Safety:
Other Key Findings:
- 92% of motorists reported aggressive behaviors that put others at risk, like speeding or cutting off other vehicles. Their top motivators were to get to their destination faster and avoid perceived danger.
- 11% admitted to violent actions such as intentionally bumping another car or confronting another driver.
- Aggressive driving is contagious: Motorists who experienced higher levels of aggressive driving also had higher levels of engagement in aggressive driving.
- The vehicle plays a role: The kind of car driven could predict how motorists act – and how others perceive them. People in sports cars, big trucks, and motorcycles are often seen as more aggressive. Some motorists say they felt more powerful and dominant behind the wheel of these vehicles.
This latest study updates research originally conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in 2016, offering a look at how aggressive driving behaviors have shifted over time. While some behaviors have become more common, others have declined:
Since 2016:
- Cutting off other vehicles is up 67%.
- Honking out of anger is up 47%.
- On the positive side, tailgating is down 24% and yelling at other drivers is down 17%.
AAA encourages motorists to prioritize courtesy and safety to help curb aggressive driving. In fact, the study found that encouraging good road etiquette may be the most effective way to reduce aggressive driving and road rage. Simple actions—like using turn signals, letting others merge, and offering a friendly wave—can help de-escalate tensions.
AAA’s Top Tips When Encountering an Aggressive Driver:
- Stay Calm – Don’t Engage
No eye contact, no gestures, no response. - Give Space
Let them pass and keep your distance. - Protect Yourself
Call 911 or go to a public place — never drive home.
AAA’s Top 3 Tips to Control Road Rage:
- Breathe Before Reacting
One deep breath can help reset the drive. - Don’t Take the Bait
Ignore and avoid aggressive drivers. - Choose Time Over Tension
Leave early, give space, arrive safe.
About the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
- Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research informs the development of educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users.