This site is operated by a third party, not by Costco. Use of this (and any destination sites you reach through this site) is subject to the site's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy rather than those of Costco.
CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, has changed its name to American Family Insurance. No action is needed by you. Please see our FAQ for quick answers to common questions.
What is road rage?
From hand gestures to physical disputes, "any display of aggression by a driver" is considered road rage. While only 6 percent of drivers will admit to road rage, 62 percent say they have been on the receiving end.
What causes road rage?
Imagine you've had a rough day at the office. You are driving home and just before you exit the highway, you get cut off by the car next to you. A little expression of your unchecked anger won't hurt anyone, right? Wrong.
Although some drivers see vehicles as a safe zone where space, speed and anonymity mean expressions (large or small) of unchecked anger won't hurt anyone, others easily misinterpret this as an intentional attack on their being, and real danger can result from this.
What are the signs of road rage?
Telltale signs a driver is experiencing road rage include:
- Sudden acceleration
- Tailgating or blocking
- Flashing lights
- Throwing objects out of the window
- Getting out the of the vehicle
- Instigating a physical confrontation
- Displaying a weapon
How to respond to road rage?
Whenever possible, avoid becoming a participant in road rage. If you identify a potential road-rage situation on the road around you, or directed at you, try not to react:
- Avoid eye contact as it can easily be interpreted as the acceptance of an unspoken challenge.
- Avoid unnecessary changes to your driving such as sudden braking, swerving, acceleration or stopping.
- Do not make hand gestures, obscene or otherwise.
- Do not get out of your car to address a confrontation.
If you feel unsafe, drive to the nearest police station or public place where you can get help, or, when possible, have a passenger call 911.
How can I avoid road rage?
Studies have found that — to a majority of drivers — distracted driving is the most infuriating act you can partake in while behind the wheel, so avoid distractions when driving and maintain a safe traveling distance.
If you are prone to road rage yourself or are feeling particularly agitated, give yourself a break. Instead of getting behind the wheel, consider taking public transportation, carpooling or traveling when traffic is less congested.
Driving is stressful enough. Follow these tips to help ensure your time on the road is as safe and stress-free as possible.
Road rage busters
Want to prevent road rage? Start with our quiz on your driving. And, prevent teen texting while driving.
Sources
- "Aggressive Driving and Speed." NCSL. National Conference of State Legislatures. July 2017. Web. 28 May 2020. https://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/aggressive-driving-and-speed.aspx
- Albrecht, Steve, DBA. "The Psychology of Road Rage." Psychology Today, https://www.psychologytoday.com.. 05 Jan. 2013, Web. 28 May 2020. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-act-violence/201301/the-psychology-road-rage
- "Behaviors of Aggressive Driving." DC.gov. District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles. N.d., Web. 28 May 2020. https://dmv.dc.gov/service/aggressive-driving
Tools & resources
Explore our tools and smart tips.
American Family Insurance is our brand name. Auto policies are underwritten by American Family Connect Property and Casualty Insurance Company, American Family Connect Insurance Company, or Midvale Indemnity Company, Madison, WI. Property policies are underwritten by Homesite Indemnity Company, Homesite Insurance Company, Homesite Insurance Company of California, Homesite Insurance Company of Florida, Homesite Insurance Company of Georgia, Homesite Insurance Company of Illinois, Homesite Insurance Company of New York, Homesite Insurance Company of the Midwest or Homesite Lloyd's of Texas, Boston, MA. American Family Connect Insurance Agency, Inc., places policies with related and unrelated companies. In Texas, certain property coverages may be underwritten by Ranchers & Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its products. Products, pricing, discounts, benefits, and availability vary by state and may be subject to change. Exclusions apply.
Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. is not licensed in New York state. Insurance products are not obtained through the Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. in New York. Costco Wholesale, Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not underwrite insurance, pay claims or guarantee any of the products or services. Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agent, may receive compensation.
This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites that may be linked in this article. This article does not afford, offer, or guarantee any coverage.
Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. is not licensed in New York state. Insurance products are not obtained through the Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. in New York. Costco Wholesale, Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not underwrite insurance, pay claims or guarantee any of the products or services. Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agent, may receive compensation.
This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites that may be linked in this article. This article does not afford, offer, or guarantee any coverage.