Aggression in traffic, aggressive driver behaviour and its association with road accidents has definitely been put on the agenda in the recent years. One of the major problems concerning aggressive driving behaviour, and the possible association with accidents in traffic, is to define in a clear way, what ‘aggressive driving behaviour’ actually is. This difficulty may be a reflection of the variation in definitions of aggression proposed by experts in this field. A review of the literature suggests that three main types of definitions exist. The first defines aggressive driving as direct physical assaults on other road users. The second focus on any form of driving behaviour with the intention to injure, harm or frighten other road users physically or psychologically. The last definition put emphasis on deliberate and wilful driving behaviour that while not intended to harm/frighten other road users show disregard for their safety and wellbeing. The literature review concludes that the last definition is the most functional one. This means, however, that aggressive driving behaviour will include acts that commonly are referred to as “reckless driving” or even “active driving” (e.g. fail to give right of way, tailgating). A recommendation is therefore to use the term “reckless driving” instead of “aggressive driving” if this definition is applied. This will make it easier to achieve a common understanding of which types of driver behaviour that is referred to. (Author/publisher)
Abstract