A “staggering” 96% of drivers admitted to driving aggressively over the past year, engaging in dangerous behavior like speeding, tailgating and cutting off other vehicles, or being the recipients of other drivers’ road rage. And the more drivers are exposed to aggressive behavior on the road, the more likely they are to drive aggressively themselves.
Those are the highlights of new research released earlier this month by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a nonprofit research and education association.
“Driving can be a stressful experience due to behaviors of others on the road and how you respond to various situations,” David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation, said in a statement. “Our study finds that experiencing various forms of aggressive driving behaviors is common for almost all motorists and many drive aggressively.”
The research and analysis for “Aggressive Driving and Road Rage Technical Report 2025 ” included a comprehensive literature review and discussions with academic experts; eight focus group discussions with drivers; and a questionnaire to measure attitudes towards and engagement in aggressive driving and road rage administered to a nationally representative sample of more than 3,000 drivers.
Some key findings from the study:
- 92% of drivers reported aggressive behaviors that put others at risk, like speeding or cutting off other vehicles;
- 11% admitted to violent actions like intentionally bumping another car or confronting another driver;
- drivers who experienced higher levels of aggressive driving also had higher levels of engagement in aggressive driving; and
- 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.
The study updates research originally conducted by the AAA Foundation in 2016. The new study found that some behaviors have become more common, while others have declined. Cutting off other vehicles is up 67%, honking out of anger is up 47%, but tailgating is down 24% and yelling at other drivers is down 17%.
The most effective way to reduce aggressive driving and road rage – and ensure safety, researchers said, may be to encourage good road etiquette.
“Simple actions—like using turn signals, letting others merge, and offering a friendly wave—can help deescalate tension and create a safer, more respectful driving environment for everyone,” according to the study.
The safety group offered a series of tips for drivers encountering or experiencing road rage.
If you encounter an aggressive driver: stay calm and don’t engage, let the driver pass and keep your distance; and call 911 or go to a public place.
To control road rage, take a breath before you react and ignore and avoid aggressive drivers.
“This work also concludes that road etiquette and manners can be a protective factor against aggressive driving,” Yang added. “Let’s change our driving culture so we can achieve the safe mobility vision for all road users.”
For more information and to read the full report, click here and here.
