Road Rage: What it is and How to Avoid It

Road rage involves any number of aggressive or angry behaviors motorists show while driving. While many road rage incidents are minor, they can lead to accidents or confrontations, as we’ve seen on the local news.

In 2021, for instance, one road rage incident resulted in a teen being shot and killed at a gas station. 17 year-old Gage Anderson got into a confrontation with another driver during a road rage incident at a gas station.¹ When the conflict escalated, the other driver shot Gage, who  eventually died from the gunshot wound.

According to Everytown Research, there were 140 fatalities in the country from road rage-related shootings in 2022.² While shootings are an extreme example of road rage, it comes in various forms. Minor incidents may involve screaming profanities or making obscene gestures at another driver. But road rage can quickly escalate into more aggressive driving, such as tailgating, weaving, driving over the speed limit, making rude gestures, and cutting other drivers off.

Road rage isn’t just a momentary lapse in judgment – it has a legal definition and can lead to serious legal consequences. From a legal standpoint, road rage refers to a range of aggressive behaviors exhibited on the road, often triggered by traffic-related incidents.

While road rage and aggressive driving are related, they aren’t the same. Aggressive driving, which includes actions like tailgating and cutting off other drivers, is considered a traffic offense. On the other hand, road rage involves using a vehicle as a weapon and is classified as a criminal offense. While aggressive driving may escalate to road rage, not all instances of aggressive driving qualify as road rage. In fact, one driver’s aggressive actions can often provoke road rage in another.

The most recent data from AAA shows that about 80 percent of drivers displayed anger, addressing, or road rage at least once in the last 30 days.³ There are a lot of factors that play a role in road rage incidents. It’s important to understand that you can’t control what triggers other people, but you can control your own reactions. By doing so, you can reduce your own negligent driving actions that can lead to road rage.

Traffic Delays

No one likes being in traffic. Being stuck in it can lead to road rage with cars trying to change lanes and finding the best driving positions on the road to get to their next exit. While everyone is stuck in the traffic together, it can affect people differently.

For some, it causes them to run late, adding stress to their day and making them anxious and angry. For others, traffic might prevent them from getting home quickly to finally relax after a long day. This leads to heightened frustration.

Running Late

Running late can lead to road rage. It’s natural for someone to try to make up time when they are running late. In doing so, they may be more aggressive on the roads, trying to move in and out of faster lanes and take shortcuts.

These actions can not only be frustrating for other drivers, but they can be dangerous. When you’re driving more aggressively, you can instigate a road rage scenario.

Knowing what road rage looks like can help you step back and avoid bad situations. Don’t engage in road rage so you can prevent things from getting out of control. Here are the most common forms of road rage.

Honking

Honking may seem like a harmless reaction, but it often worsens situations. A sudden honk can startle drivers and trigger more aggressive behavior. Whenever possible, avoid honking unless it’s to alert others of immediate danger.

The effects of road rage on drivers are pretty clear: agitation and stress when driving. Think about the effect of someone yelling at you while in traffic. You’ll likely get angry too, feeling righteous in your actions as a driver. As more aggressive driving is employed in road rage incidents, you may start to become fearful that a bad accident may result.

The risk of road rage is more accidents, injuries, and deaths. Since road rage can happen to anyone, it’s important to avoid angry behaviors such as shouting obscenities while driving.

Road rage doesn’t just impact your emotions; it can cloud your judgment, increase stress, and heighten the risk of accidents, injuries, or even fatalities.

Road rage can impair a driver’s judgment, making it difficult to think clearly or make rational decisions behind the wheel. The heightened emotional state caused by road rage can lead to impulsive actions, such as speeding, tailgating, or engaging in risky maneuvers that a more composed driver might avoid. This diminished judgment increases the likelihood of accidents, ranging from minor fender-benders to serious collisions.

Additionally, road rage can significantly elevate stress levels. The adrenaline surge that accompanies aggressive driving can contribute to long-term health problems, such as high blood pressure, anxiety, and heart issues. Prolonged exposure to stress, especially in situations where it repeatedly triggers road rage, can also impact a driver’s overall mental well-being.

The consequences of road rage extend beyond the driver’s safety. Aggressive behaviors on the road can endanger other motorists, pedestrians, and passengers. The risk of accidents, injuries, or fatalities increases as the driver becomes more focused on their anger or frustration than on the task of driving safely. In some cases, road rage can lead to violent confrontations, either between drivers or between drivers and pedestrians, further escalating the potential for harm.

Nobody is perfect. We all get frustrated on the road from time to time. While we can’t control how others drive, we can manage our reactions.

Here are some ways to avoid road rage. 

Before You Drive

There are stressors you can eliminate even before you get behind the wheel.

1. Leave early. If being late stresses you out, make it a habit to leave earlier than usual. Giving yourself an extra five minutes can help you avoid the frustration of rushing and allow you to stay more relaxed during your commute, whether it’s to work, an appointment, or any other destination.
2. Keep your car well-maintained. A well-serviced car runs more smoothly, which can reduce the chances of getting stuck in a breakdown situation. It also prevents the feeling of being “stuck” with a sluggish or unresponsive car, which can contribute to road rage.
3. Go to the bathroom before leaving. Though it may seem trivial, going to the bathroom before hitting the road can make a difference, especially in traffic. The discomfort of needing to use the restroom while stuck in a jam can heighten stress levels and fuel impatience. 
4. Keep the kids occupied. For parents, managing kids during a drive can be a source of stress and frustration. To reduce distractions and maintain a peaceful ride, have toys, games, or a favorite stuffed animal ready to keep them entertained. This not only helps the kids stay calm, but it also allows you to focus on the road without added distractions or irritations.

While Driving

The best way to avoid road rage scenarios is to control your emotions and keep your reactions in check. What you do on the road will directly affect how other drivers react to you.

1. Practice grace. We don’t know what others are going through. Everyone has bad days, and sometimes a driver’s behavior might stem from stress, personal struggles, or challenges you can’t see. Practicing empathy and extending grace can help you avoid reacting negatively and allow you to remain calm and understanding behind the wheel.
2. Put away your phone. While hands-free phone use may be legal in many areas, it still divides your attention. To prevent yourself from becoming distracted—and from potentially triggering someone else’s road rage—finish important calls before you start driving, or pull over safely when you need to handle a call or text. 
3. Drive courteously. Small acts of courtesy can make a big difference in preventing road rage. Simple gestures like signaling before turning, letting someone merge, or waving in gratitude when another driver lets you in can help foster a more positive driving environment. 

When Someone Reacts to You

If road rage does occur, take steps to deescalate the situation.

1. Stay calm and breathe. The first step is to remain calm. Take deep breaths and avoid reacting impulsively. The more composed you stay, the less likely you are to escalate the situation. If the other driver sees that you’re not affected by their anger, it can help defuse their aggression.
2. Give them space and don’t engage. If possible, allow the aggressive driver to pass and avoid making eye contact. If they’re tailgating or trying to aggressively overtake you, safely maneuver to the side of the road or change lanes to let them go ahead. Creating space between you and the other driver can reduce their frustration and give you both room to cool off.
3. Drive to a safe location. If the aggressive driver seems to be following you or trying to block your way, avoid pulling over in a secluded area. Instead, drive to a populated, well-lit place, such as a gas station, a busy parking lot, or a police station. Stopping in an unsafe area could escalate the situation further.
4. Don’t take it personally. Remember, the other driver’s anger is likely not about you. Keep your focus on staying safe and composed. And as frustrating as it is to be the target of road rage, remember that the satisfaction of retaliating is not worth the potential threat to you and your passengers’ safety.

Road rage can affect your car insurance rates if it leads to a ticket or an at-fault accident. Car insurance companies view aggressive driving as a high-risk behavior, and any accidents or violations could raise your premium.

Insurance may not cover road rage incidents, especially if you are the one engaging in aggressive or intentional actions. These actions are typically considered deliberate, not accidental, and may also lead to criminal charges. Additionally, being involved in a road rage incident—whether as the aggressor or not—can still result in higher premiums over time.

If you’re the victim of a road rage incident and your car is damaged, you may face challenges. The aggressive driver might refuse to provide their insurance information, leaving you to file a claim with your own insurer. In such cases, you would need to pay your deductible upfront to repair your vehicle. While this isn’t an ideal outcome, it allows you to restore your car if other options aren’t available.

To avoid costly repairs, increased premiums, and potential legal trouble, it’s best to steer clear of road rage situations altogether. Staying calm and composed on the road can protect both your finances and your safety.

Road rage is dangerous and can have legal, emotional, and financial consequences. To protect yourself, focus on prevention. Practice strategies like leaving early, putting away your pohone, and staying calm in stressful situations. If confronted with an aggressive driver, prioritize your safety by avoiding engagement and creating distance.

While insurance may not always cover road rage-related incidents, taking steps to stay composed and cautious can help you avoid costly consequences. Ultimately, driving courteously and managing your own emotions are key to reducing road rage incidents and keeping yourself and others safe.