We have probably all seen it and some of us might have succumbed but I expect that few of us understand why driver anger happens or what we can do to lessen its affects. Why do we become so frustrated that we vent our anger on other road users for what are generally, very minor infractions of our perceived rights as drivers? How can our personalities change so radically in the space of seconds from intelligent, rational people to angry, frustrated and, possibly violent individuals?
One US study estimates that more that half of all drivers have experienced a surge of anger at some point – perhaps not enough to gesticulate or swear or yell – but there nonetheless. According to the US AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the incidence of aggressive driving and road rage is increasing and has become one of the major concerns of many drivers. They report that in the US “at least 1500 people each year are seriously injured or killed in senseless traffic disputes”.