Experiencing anger and aggression while driving aren't exactly an unusual occurrence on the road. In the United States, however, millions of American drivers engage in extreme displays of anger and aggression.
A study released recently by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that around 8 million American drivers displayed angry and aggressive acts on the road. This includes intentionally hitting another vehicle or getting out of their cars to confront another driver, EurekAlert reported.
Stress And Other Factors Behind Road Rage
Jurek Grabowski, director of research for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, found that drivers get angry due to different reasons. The daily stresses of life, bad traffic, and inconsiderate drivers propel Americans to feelings of anger and aggressiveness, which could result to serious -- and sometimes deadly -- accidents.
As provided by EurekAlert, listed below are some of the study's estimates about drivers in the U.S.
- Intentionally tailgating: 51 percent or 104 million drivers
- Shouting at another driver: 47 percent or 95 million drivers
- Honking to demonstrate annoyance or anger: 45 percent or 91 million drivers
- Making angry gestures: 33 percent or 67 million drivers
- Attempting to stop another vehicle from changing lanes: 24 percent or 49 million drivers
- Cutting off another vehicle purposefully: 12 percent or 24 million drivers
- Getting out of the vehicle to confront another driver: 4 percent or 7.6 million drivers
- Bumping or ramming another vehicle purposefully: 3 percent or 5.7 million drivers
Jake Nelson, AAA's director of traffic safety advocacy and research, said that being angry or annoyed while driving is normal, but it's also important for drivers to get a grip on themselves so these feelings won't have serious consequences. Nelson advised drivers to keep themselves calm and to just focus on reaching their destinations safe and sound.
The study found that male and younger drivers aged between 19 and 30 have higher chances of road rage. Drivers who reside in the Northeastern U.S. are more likely to be angry and aggressive on the road as well. The nine states that are part of the Northeastern U.S. are Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
High Car Crash Rate In The US
This month, it was reported that the U.S. have higher car crash rates than any other wealthy nations. According to a recently released report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 32,000 individuals -- or 90 per day -- died in car accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also recorded a 7.7 percent in road deaths last year. There were 35,200 deaths on U.S. roads in 2015, a jump from 2014's 32,600 cases.
