SOUTHLAND – (INT) – A study found that the more drivers are exposed to aggressive behavior on the road, the more likely they are to drive aggressively themselves. This self-fulfilling cycle of aggressive driving and road rage is fueling a culture where impatience and hostility are becoming the norm behind the wheel.

The Auto Club of Southern California found that a staggering 96% of drivers admit to engaging in aggressive driving over 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 – and it's not just frustrating, it appears to be contagious.

Other Key Findings:

• 92% of drivers reported aggressive behaviors that put others at risk, like speeding or cutting off other vehicles. Their top motivators were to get to their destination faster and avoid perceived danger.

• 11% admitted to violent actions such as intentionally bumping another car or confronting another driver.

• Aggressive driving is contagious: Drivers who experienced higher levels of aggressive driving also had higher levels of engagement in aggressive driving.

• The vehicle plays a role: The kind of car you drive could predict how you act – and how others perceive you. Drivers in sports cars, big trucks, and motorcycles are often seen as more aggressive. Some drivers say they felt more powerful and dominant behind the wheel of these vehicles.

Story Date: October 14, 2025