Driving anger is a known contributor to the traffic incidents and crashes. Utilising self-report data from an online questionnaire for drivers in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, this study investigated a hypothetical models of how drivers express road rage and crash consequences.
The research explored whether and how personality factors (boredom susceptibility, sensation seeking, impulsiveness) paired with road anger predicted aggressive driving behaviours. This also went on to investigate if aggressive driving leads to traffic crashes. This model was supported by the data obtained, as aggressive behaviours were found to be a link between driving anger and impulsiveness, and crash-related consequences.
Results also suggested that factors which encouraged aggressive behaviours and road crashes are similar across the UK and Ireland. However, upon comparing self-reported crash-related conditions, those in the UK were found to have indicated more aggressive driving, small crashes, road rage occurrences and loss of concentration and control of vehicles.