Drivers admit to aggressive driving in new AAA study

(FOX40.COM) —  The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a new study on Tuesday, where 96% of drivers admitted to engaging in aggressive driving within the last year.

Officials defined aggressive driving as speeding and tailgating other drivers to cut them off, often fueled by being in a rush.

The study also found that drivers engaged in unsafe behavior as a reaction to other aggressive vehicles.

“Understanding the motivations behind aggressive driving is a key step toward preventing it,” Doug Johnson, a spokesperson for AAA Mountain West Group, said. “Aggressive driving can quickly escalate into road rage, so it’s important that drivers know how to react appropriately and keep themselves from being the instigator.”

Key findings include:

• 92% of drivers reported aggressive behaviors that put others at risk, such as speeding
• 11% admitted to violent actions such as intentionally bumping another car or confronting another driver
• Drivers who experienced aggressive driving also had higher levels of engagement in aggressive driving
• The kind of car drivers have could predict how they drive and how they are perceived

Since 2016, cutting off other vehicles has increased by 67%, and honking out of anger has risen by 47%. The study also showed that tailgating is down by 24% and yelling at other drivers is down by 17%.

Meanwhile, a 2025 report from Consumer Affairs ranked Sacramento as the 6th city in the state with the “worst drivers,” while it ranked 45th nationally. The organization defines “bad drivers” as those who engage in aggressive driving, careless driving and improper or erratic lane changing.

AAA provided tips on what to do when encountering an aggressive driver:

• Stay calm and do not engage
• Avoid eye contact, making gestures or responding
• Give space
• Let them pass and keep your distance
• Call 911 or go to a public place, but never drive home

AAA also provided tips on how to control road rage:

• Breathe before reacting
• Do not take the bait
• Ignore and avoid aggressive drivers
• Choose time over tension
• Leave early, give space and arrive safe