Did you take a few seconds to consider it objectively and fairly? LOL…OK! This comes from data collected by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety…and it may well confirm your biases.
Overall, younger male and female drivers tend to be more aggressive than older drivers. With everyday stress already compounded by the pandemic and now the holiday season, which can elevate tensions on the road, AAA urges motorists to keep their cool and avoid dangerous driving habits.
Nothing like a little levity in a stressful encounter.
Aggressive Driving Behaviors among Male and Female U.S. Drivers, 2019
| Male | Female | |
| Drove 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway | 52.0% | 44.6% |
| Followed the vehicle in front closely to prevent another vehicle from merging | 37.8% | 29.3% |
| Made rude gesture/honked at another driver | 35.4% | 28% |
| Drove through a red light | 32.2% | 30.0% |
| Drove aggressively by switching lanes quickly and/or very close behind another car | 31.5% | 21.4% |
“Speeding, red-light running, and cutting other drivers off can kill you, your passengers, and others sharing the road…Driving aggressively isn’t worth the risk. When you get behind the wheel, be patient, be kind, and obey traffic laws so everyone gets home safely.” ~ Jake Nelson, AAA Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy
AAA offers these tips to help drivers manage aggressive driving scenarios:
- Don’t Offend: Never cause another driver to change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.
- Be Tolerant and Forgiving: The other driver may just be having a really bad day. Assume that it’s not personal.
- Do Not Respond: Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, maintain space around your vehicle, and contact 9-1-1 if needed.
