If it feels like road rage is everywhere, a new report confirms it’s not just in your head. A staggering 96% of drivers admit to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors in the past year, according to a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
From speeding and tailgating to cutting off other vehicles, aggressive driving has become a near universal experience. The study also found that the behavior is contagious: the more drivers encounter aggressive actions on the road, the more likely they are to engage in them themselves.
“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.”
Key findings from the report include:
- 92% of drivers admitted to risky actions like speeding or cutting off other vehicles, often motivated by trying to reach their destination faster or avoiding perceived danger.
- 11% admitted to violent actions such as intentionally bumping another car or confronting another driver.
- Aggressive driving is contagious: drivers exposed to more hostility on the road were more likely to behave aggressively themselves.
- Vehicle type matters: drivers of sports cars, large trucks, and motorcycles were more often seen — and reported feeling — more aggressive and dominant behind the wheel.
The new research updates AAA’s 2016 findings, showing some behaviors are on the rise while others are declining. Cutting off other vehicles is up 67% since 2016, while honking out of anger is up 47%. Tailgating is down 24% and yelling at other drivers has dropped 17%.
“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 encourages drivers to use simple acts of courtesy — like signaling, letting others merge, and offering a wave — to de-escalate tension and promote safety.
AAA’s top tips if you encounter an aggressive driver:
- Stay calm and don’t engage: avoid eye contact, gestures, or responding.
- Give space: let them pass and keep your distance.
- Protect yourself: call 911 or head to a public place — never drive home.
AAA’s top tips to control your own road rage:
- Breathe before reacting to reset your drive.
- Don’t take the bait from aggressive drivers.
- Choose time over tension: leave early, give space, and arrive safe.
