Survey: Most Canadians Admit to Raging on the Road
Cranky on your morning drive? Impatient at the drive-through window waiting for the first coffee? You might be part of the 95% of Canadians who admit to occasionally being aggressive and road rage-like when driving, according to a nationwide survey conducted by online insurance quote provider InsuranceHotline.com.
Let’s keep in mind that “Road Rage” is a broad term. Anything from tailgating to hand gestures to cursing are all included. Hence, that doesn’t mean most Canadians get out of their cars while wailing laptop bags at other drivers with lethal intentions - on a daily basis. But, according to the study, 14% have been angry enough to do something impulsive.
But the study also reveals that Canadian drivers also have manners. If 95% of responders admitted to committing acts of road rage, the numbers show that 94% of Canadian drivers think they are also courteous at the wheel.
Mostly Male drivers, of All Ages
While the study says younger drivers admit to speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, swearing/making rude hand gestures, and tailgating, drivers over 35 were more likely to admit to tapping their brake while being tailgated and honking their horn furiously at other drivers.
The survey's results also reveal that male respondents were more likely to admit to driving aggressively. On the other hand, drivers under the age of 35 tend to act more on their reckless impulse than those 35 or older.
Still according to the data, British Columbians seem to be the most honest about their road rage habits, with 88% of responders admitting to speeding in the context of road rage, but 70% of those who participated in the survey confess to swearing and making hostile hand gestures. Moreover, 57% of Quebec responders admitted to tailgating a slow-moving vehicle. Sixty-three percent of all participants confess to tapping their brake when tailgated.
Keep Your Cool
As long as there are humans behind the wheel, there will be impatience (even if the cars are driving themselves). However, the road rage acts are getting more frequent. If you tend to be impatient and cranky, give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. And if you’re feeling threatened by a road rager, don’t respond to their action. If things escalate, dial 9-1-1.