Driving Psychology October 8, 2006

Different Types of Road Rage

By Rhiannon Tokita

Instructions for this activity are found at:

Instructor: Dr. Leon James

Citation:

Leon James and Diane Nahl (2000). Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare. (Amherst, N.Y.: Prometheus Books). Reviewing pages 84-108

I. Passive Aggressive Road Rage

A. Definition- it is a protest against other drivers that feel they are trying to be pushed around.

B. Expression

i. Drivers ignore other drivers who are trying to get around or ahead

ii. Drivers refusing to move out of the way for another motorist

C. Results

i. Can lead people to take longer to move and evoked more hostile reactions from both parties

ii. Can have long term consequences on physical and mental health

II. Automotive Vigilante

A. Definition- a driver who is aggressive towards other motorists because they feel the need to punish the driver who is viewed to be in the wrong

B. Expression

i. Retaliation by isolation and punishment

1. verbal abuse

2. offensive gestures

3. physical violence

4. dangerous maneuvering of the vehicle

III. Aggressive Competitor

A. Definition- drivers who feel the need to always be in the lead and experiences anxiety if another driver is to pass them

B. Expression

i. Drivers race with other motorists because they feel the need to always be first

ii. They cut other drivers off so that they will be stuck or cannot go through an intersection