What triggers angry driving?

26 March 2024

Dr Lisa Dorn explores what triggers angry driving .

According to a review of research, there are three main factors that trigger driving anger -

• First, progress impediment, including slow driving or traffic obstructions.
• Second, being put at risk, either by reckless or illegal behaviours from other road users.
• Third, hostility or discourtesy of other motorists.

Having one’s progress impeded is the most commonly occurring driving anger factor. Impedance blocks the driver from achieving personal goals like getting to work and seems to be linked to time constraints. Perceived discourtesy of other road users elicits the angriest responses. An angry driver believes that the offender has deliberately behaved in a provocative manner and these hostile appraisals trigger impatience and a confrontive coping style. For angry drivers, the perceived or actual violation or affront generates anger, and often stems from a belief that they should not be inconvenienced by any traffic problems or inconsiderate road users.