The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released the results of it’s Traffic Safety Culture Index, and the findings included data that confirms what many had already suspected: men are more likely to engage in aggressive driving behaviors than women.
The nationally representative survey of more than 2,700 U.S. motorists, is an annual survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, and these results are in response to the survey conducted in 2019. Started in 2008, the goal of the survey is to identify American drivers’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors related to traffic safety issues.
Regarding aggressive driving, the survey discovered that male drivers are more likely to engage in behaviors such as speeding, tailgating and honking their horns or making gestures towards other drivers.
Women aren’t let entirely off the hook by any means, many of the females surveyed admitted to regularly performing dangerous driving habits. Regardless of gender, younger drivers male and female, had a tendency to be more aggressive than older drivers.
| Aggressive Driving Behavior | Men | Women |
| Drove 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway | 52.0% | 44.6% |
| Followed the vehicle in front closely to prevent another vehicle from merging | 37.8% | 29.3% |
| Made rude gesture/honked at another driver | 35.4% | 28% |
| Drove through a red light | 32.2% | 30.0% |
| Drove aggressively by switching lanes quickly and/or very close behind another car | 31.5% | 21.4% |
Overall, 79% of the drivers they surveyed confessed to regularly exhibiting aggressive driving behaviors, such as red-light running and cutting off other drivers. According to the AAA Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy: “Driving aggressively isn’t worth the risk. When you get behind the wheel, be patient, be kind, and obey traffic laws so everyone gets home safely.”
Considering the pressures put upon us this year by the pandemic, it’s safe to say it’s been a stressful year for all of us. And now that we’re in the middle of the holiday season, a time historically stressful for many, it’s good time to remind ourselves to be patient with the other drivers on the road, and always follow the AAA rules of the road:
AAA Rules of the Road:
- Follow posted speed limits.
- Maintain an adequate following distance.
- Use turn signals.
- Allow others to merge.
- Use your high beams responsibly.
- Be considerate in parking lots—Park in one spot, not across multiple spaces. Be careful not to hit cars next to you with your door.
Further Reading: Get the Gift of Lyft and Avoid the Heat
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