(Omaha) Exposure to aggressive driving fuels more aggression behind the wheel, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. In a survey of licensed drivers, 96% admitted to engaging in at least one aggressive driving behavior, including running red lights, speeding, tailgating, honking, or cutting off other vehicles, during the past year.
Brian Ortner, spokesperson for AAA in Nebraska and Iowa, says the study reveals a self-perpetuating cycle. He says 96% of drivers admit to driving aggressively in the past year. Their top motivators were to get to their destination faster and avoid perceived danger. 11% admitted to engaging in violent actions such as intentionally bumping into another car or confronting another driver. The more drivers are exposed to aggressive behavior on the road, the more likely they are to exhibit aggressive driving behavior themselves.
Ortner says research shows that even the calmest drivers can get drawn into road rage after a single hostile encounter.
Ortner notes that the type of vehicle not only influences how drivers behave but also shapes how others perceive them. He explains that sports cars are associated with speed, large trucks dominate road space, and motorcycles rank among the top three most aggressive vehicles.
This latest study updates research originally conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in 2016, providing an examination of how aggressive driving behaviors have evolved. While some behaviors have become more common, others have declined.
Since 2016, the number of cutting off other vehicles has increased by 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 drivers to prioritize courtesy and safety to help curb aggressive driving. Stay Calm –and avoid eye contact, gestures, or responding. Give them space, let them pass, and keep your distance.
