Aggressive driving can come in the form of speeding and tailgating to cutting off other vehicles. Image by Tyli Jura from Pixabay

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - If you feel like aggressive drivers are everywhere, there might be some truth to it. A staggering 96 percent of drivers admitted to engaging in some form of aggressive driving in the last year, according to a new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released on Sept. 23.

Aggressive driving can come in the form of speeding and tailgating to cutting off other vehicles.

According to the nationwide study, aggressive driving has become a nearly universal experience on American roads.

“Understanding the motivations behind aggressive driving is a key step toward preventing it,” said Doug Johnson, spokesperson for AAA Mountain West Group. “Aggressive driving can quickly escalate into road rage, so it’s important that drivers know how to react appropriately and keep themselves from being the instigator.”

The study found that being in a hurry often fuels aggressive behavior on the road. Drivers were also more prone to engage in unsafe behavior as a reaction to other aggressive vehicles. This self-fulfilling cycle of aggressive driving and road rage is fueling a culture where impatience and hostility are becoming the norm behind the wheel.

Key findings of the study follow.

Ninety-two percent of drivers reported aggressive behaviors that put others at risk, such as speeding or cutting off other vehicles. Their top motivators were to get to their destination faster and avoid perceived danger. 

Eleven percent admitted 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 study is an update of a 2016 AAA study which shows some behaviors have become more common while others have declined. 

Since 2016, cutting off other vehicles is up 67 percent, honking out of anger is up 47 percent, tailgating is down 24 percent and yelling at other drivers is down 17 percent.

AAA urges drivers to prioritize courtesy and safety to help curb aggressive driving. Another key finding in the study was that good road etiquette might 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 driving environment for everyone.

Some AAA tips when encountering aggressive drivers are staying calm (don’t engage); avoiding eye contact, making gestures or responding; providing ample space; and letting them pass and keeping your distance. Finally, call 911 if necessary or go to a public place; never drive home.

AAA tips for controlling road rage include breathing before you react (one deep death can reset your perspective); don’t take the bait; ignoring and avoiding aggressive drivers; choosing time over tension; and leaving early, giving space and most importantly, arriving to your destination safely.

AAA Mountain West Group is a membership and full-service leisure travel organization, proudly serving more than 6.7-million members throughout Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska.