“Road Rage” is one driver expressing anger toward another driver.  It is expressed with great intensity and in a felonious manner such as firing a weapon or assault.  Road rage is a reaction to a perceived wrongdoing, disrespect or discourtesy in the other driver.  The hostility is magnified by the stresses of driving, and the personal stresses/issues the other driver brings with him/her into a vehicle.

Economic problems and relationship issues lower the tolerance level toward other drivers.  Primitive, aggressive impulses are released.  In the vehicle in such a state, the driver feels less bound by the mores of civilization.  The driver is essentially “anonymous.”  Aggression normally suppressed rises into consciousness to find expression.

Finally, as in warfare, the anger is construed as justified, and can be expressed to the “enemy” with impunity.  No one else knows.  The driver can ram the other car, or shoot the other driver.  This is a “battle” removed from traditional, civilized surroundings.  It is on the road – not in a house, in front of his neighbors or at the local grocery store. 

The aggressive driver is insulated by thousands of pounds of steel.  He is secure, fully armored.  His vehicle is his deadly weapon and his means of rapid escape.

Every driver – as victim or perpetrator – has experienced angry driving such as screaming or obscene gestures.  We can all relate to it.  We all actually want to hear about it, enjoy the antics, and the pettiness and machismo of others.  We laugh when some relatively minor incident is discussed.  But we become horrified by the extreme aggression – road rage – especially when someone is killed or seriously wounded.

An initiative by one community in
Bucks County, PA

The typical reaction to stories of road rage?  “I better be careful,” or, “I better arm myself to protect me and my family.”

The beat goes on.