AAA: 96% Admit Aggressive Driving, 11% Violent

A new AAA Foundation study of 3,045 drivers finds 96% admitted to some form of aggressive driving in the past year and that aggressive behaviors are contagious, creating a self‑perpetuating cycle. The research reports 11% of drivers engaged in violent actions (intentionally bumping or confronting others) and finds higher rates among drivers of sports cars, big trucks and motorcycles, as well as people under 60, those with higher incomes, with men more likely to escalate. Compared with 2016, cutting people off rose 67% and angry honking rose 47% (yelling declined 17%), trends experts attribute to stress from commutes and return-to-office, distractions and a perceived sense of invincibility from safer cars. Local policing data mirror the rise: Quebec police reported a 20% jump in road‑rage complaints from 2022 to 2024. AAA and safety experts recommend de‑escalation tactics — avoid eye contact and gestures, give space, don’t drive straight home if threatened, go to public places or call 911 — and say simple courteous actions can help break the cycle.