The term `road rage' can refer to any display of aggression by a driver, but is often used to refer to the more extreme acts of such aggession, like physical assault. Road rage, like other forms of anger, often seems to be caused by driver frustration. This report presents the results of a survey of 526 car drivers, conducted in January 1995, and commissioned by the Automobile Association (AA) to quantify the extent of the road rage problems in the UK. Almost 90% of the motorists had experienced road rage incidents during the past year, and 60% of them admitted to losing their temper behind the wheel. The most common forms of road rage were found to be: aggessive tailgating (62%), headlight flashing (59%), obscene gestures (45%), deliberately obstructing other vehicles (21%), and verbal abuse (16%). Only about 1% of the drivers claimed to have been physicallu assaulted by other motorists. Only 6% of those interviewed claimed to be guilty of tailgating. 54% of women admitted to aggressive driving behaviour, compared with 64% of men. Mood was a major factor influencing driver behaviour, with some drivers apparently more likely to succumb to road rage. Unsafe drivers were found to be more likely to be affected by the action of other road users. Drivers can adopt simple strategies to restrict their frustration, anger and rage.
Samenvatting