Skip to main content

Aggressive drivers make others aggressive

Aggressive driving by one person behind the wheel can result in others following suit. That is the conclusion of a new study carried out by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and tyre manufacturer Goodyear. The conclusion of the research reveals that when one driver behaves aggressively, others will respond with similar behaviour. The study was carried out in 15 separate countries and included close to 9,000 drivers.
December 7, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
Aggressive driving by one person behind the wheel can result in others following suit. That is the conclusion of a new study carried out by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and tyre manufacturer 5010 Goodyear. The conclusion of the research reveals that when one driver behaves aggressively, others will respond with similar behaviour. The study was carried out in 15 separate countries and included close to 9,000 drivers.

Of those who participated, 87% said that when other drivers behave badly, they are also likely to do so. And 55% of those surveyed also admitted that when they have been angered by the behaviour of one driver, they may then exhibit a similar reaction to other road users. Meanwhile, when drivers show patience and respect for each other, this behaviour will also be reciprocated and repeated.

Typical triggers for anger at other road users can stem from issues such as tailgating, poor lane discipline, incorrect signalling or careless manoeuvres at junctions.

The study also reveals that certain drivers are not only dangerous themselves but also trigger similar behaviour in others, potentially resulting in crashes elsewhere entirely.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Improving a key route through Florida
    November 9, 2015
    Upgrading a key route through Florida – novel construction techniques are helping widen a road in difficult geological conditions – Lucio Garofalo reports. A major road widening project underway in Florida is due for completion soon. The work will improve an important section of road, reducing congestion at peak period and cutting travel times for drivers. The US 331/SR83 highway runs for some 79km and provides an important link in Florida’s Panhandle area, as it connects with Route 98.
  • KPMG’s Global Automotive Executive Survey 2012
    March 21, 2012
    With China slated to be the world’s biggest market for auto sales and exports by 2025, and demand for electric vehicles expected to be the highest in emerging markets, global auto players should have a clearer vision of the way forward on issues critical to the industry.
  • Intelligent paving and compaction holds the key
    October 16, 2024
    Intelligent paving and compaction holds the key to more efficient road construction according to BOMAG – Mike Woof writes
  • Sophisticated new asphalt compactors now coming to market
    March 4, 2015
    Emissions legislation is one factor driving the introduction of new compaction machines for Europe and North America, while customers in other markets are also benefiting from new technology - Mike Woof writes. The phased introduction of new exhaust emissions requirements for construction equipment being used in Europe and North America have had a major impact on new model development. In the asphalt compactor segment, manufacturers have had to redesign machines to pack in the latest emissions control techn