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A new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety* released today shows that an astounding 96% of drivers admit to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors during the past year. The study also found that the more drivers are exposed to aggressive behavior on the road, the more likely they are to drive aggressively themselves. This non-virtuous upward cycle of aggressive driving and road rage is energizing a culture where impatience and hostility are becoming the norm behind the wheel.
“Driving can be a stressful experience due to behaviors of others on the road and how you respond to various situations. Our study finds that experiencing various forms of aggressive driving behaviors is common for almost all motorists and many drive aggressively,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
“This work also concludes that road etiquette and manners can be a protective factor against aggressive driving. Let’s change our driving culture so we can achieve the safe mobility vision for all road users,”Yang said.
Other Key Findings
- 92% of drivers 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: Drivers 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 you drive could predict how you act – and how others perceive you. Drivers in sports cars, big trucks, and motorcycles are often seen as more aggressive. Some drivers 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 drivers to prioritize courtesy and safety to help curb aggressive driving. Moreover, the study found that encouraging good road etiquette may be the most effective way to reduce aggressive driving and road rage. Simple actions—such as using turn signals, letting others merge, and offering a friendly wave—can help de-escalate tension and create a safer, more respectful driving environment for everyone.
“Having good manners behind the wheel isn’t just about being polite,” said Dr. Jose Torres, AAA traffic safety advocacy and research manager. “It’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on the road.”
AAA’s Top Tips if You Encounter an Aggressive Driver
- Stay Calm and 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 Tips to Control Road Rage
- Breathe Before You React. One deep breath can reset your 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 non-profit, 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.
**About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA says it delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 65+ million members across North America, including nearly 58 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Facing Road Rage? You’re Not Alone as It Grows
Click for more.
A new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety* released today shows that an astounding 96% of drivers admit to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors during the past year. The study also found that the more drivers are exposed to aggressive behavior on the road, the more likely they are to drive aggressively themselves. This non-virtuous upward cycle of aggressive driving and road rage is energizing a culture where impatience and hostility are becoming the norm behind the wheel.
“Driving can be a stressful experience due to behaviors of others on the road and how you respond to various situations. Our study finds that experiencing various forms of aggressive driving behaviors is common for almost all motorists and many drive aggressively,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
“This work also concludes that road etiquette and manners can be a protective factor against aggressive driving. Let’s change our driving culture so we can achieve the safe mobility vision for all road users,”Yang said.
Other Key Findings
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:
AAA encourages drivers to prioritize courtesy and safety to help curb aggressive driving. Moreover, the study found that encouraging good road etiquette may be the most effective way to reduce aggressive driving and road rage. Simple actions—such as using turn signals, letting others merge, and offering a friendly wave—can help de-escalate tension and create a safer, more respectful driving environment for everyone.
“Having good manners behind the wheel isn’t just about being polite,” said Dr. Jose Torres, AAA traffic safety advocacy and research manager. “It’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on the road.”
AAA’s Top Tips if You Encounter an Aggressive Driver
AAA’s Tips to Control Road Rage
*About the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
Established in 1947 by AAA,** the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a non-profit, 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.
**About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA says it delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 65+ million members across North America, including nearly 58 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.