For many Australian drivers, being behind the wheel provides a sense of newfound freedom. Yet, it’s also where more drivers find themselves facing traffic congestion, rude gestures, or even aggressive behaviour from other road users.
A 2024 NRMA study revealed that 44% of Australians surveyed have been the victim of some form of road rage in the past 12 months, and that 94% have witnessed aggressive behaviour on the road within the last year.
With car accidents and road rage incidents making headlines, recognising the warning signs of explosive anger is more important than ever if we want to keep our roads safe.
Let’s Understand Road Rage First
Road rage is more than getting frustrated in traffic. It can lead to dangerous behaviour — from making rude gestures and speeding to aggressive driving and, in some cases, physical assault or vehicle damage. Aggressive drivers aren’t always strangers; sometimes, anyone can experience road rage if certain situations push their buttons.
It’s natural to feel angry occasionally, but letting those feelings spiral puts you and others at real and immediate danger. Psychology research shows that environmental stressors such as traffic congestion, fatigue, and daily life pressures intensify these reactions, especially for those with higher impulsivity or underlying stress
Here’s how you can take control, avoid dangerous situations, and practice positive driving habits that protect everyone.
1. Stay Calm Behind the Wheel
Managing your own emotions before they escalate makes a big difference. Road rage often reflects pent-up frustration or real-world stressors that “spill over” behind the wheel, according to psychology experts.
Tips for you:
- Take deep breaths before you drive, and if you feel anger coming on, pull over safely.
- Don’t return rude gestures; avoid eye contact with aggressive drivers.NRMA, 2024
- If you feel threatened, drive to the nearest police station or a public place.
If you notice another driver acting aggressively, avoid eye contact and don’t return rude gestures. Instead, focus on vehicle control and the road ahead.
2. Plan Ahead and Avoid Triggers
Traffic congestion, running late, or even small mistakes from other drivers can be triggers for anger. Australian drivers showed that many incidents start when someone feels rushed or impatient.
Planning ahead, allowing extra time, checking for roadworks, and knowing your route, reduces stress. Make sure you’ve had enough sleep, and never drive if you’re overtired.
Tips for you:
- Check road conditions before you leave.
- Make sure you’ve had enough sleep—fatigue increases the risk of losing control.
- Use traffic navigation apps to avoid congestion.
Anticipate danger by paying attention to the driving behaviours of other cars. Defensive driving means keeping a safe distance, staying alert for sudden lane changes, and being prepared for the unexpected.
Your aim: avoid cutting in, stay in your lane when possible, and reframe setbacks as minor, not personal.
3. Practice Empathy and Self-Conscious Driving
Sometimes, all it takes is a little empathy to diffuse a dangerous situation. Recognise that every driver makes mistakes, and aggression rarely leads anywhere good. If you feel angry or notice you’re slipping into aggressive behaviour, remind yourself: other drivers aren’t out to get you.
Psychologists note that “territorial instincts” and the “anonymous bubble effect” make it easy to view other drivers as obstacles, not people. Practising empathy, reminding yourself that everyone makes mistakes, helps keep emotions in check.
Tips for you:
- Review your own driving behaviours and warning signs regularly.
- Self-conscious driving keeps you aware of your own stress levels and helps avoid dangerous situations.
Self-conscious driving is a positive habit to develop. Regularly check your own driving skills, the way you respond in traffic, and whether your attitude behind the wheel needs an adjustment.
Remember that paying attention to your emotions is as much a part of safe driving as checking your mirrors.
4. Take a Defensive Driving Course
Anyone can benefit from a defensive driving course, whether a new driver gaining more confidence or an experienced motorist who wants to reduce stress and learn to avoid dangerous situations.
Tips for you:
- Enrol in a defensive driving course to enhance your driving skills and learn how to avoid dangerous behaviour on the road.
- Practice staying calm under pressure by using breathing techniques and focusing on vehicle control.
- Familiarise yourself with the location of the nearest police station so you can quickly seek help if you ever feel threatened by an aggressive driver.
These courses are designed to help drivers spot the warning signs of road rage, improve vehicle control, and stay calm under pressure. Learning to anticipate risk and respond safely is a skill for life.
If you ever feel threatened by angry drivers or encounter a real and immediate danger, know the location of the nearest police station and don’t hesitate to seek help.
5. Control What You Can, Let Go of the Rest
You can’t control other road users, but you can control your reactions. If you experience road rage, pull over safely and take a break. Avoid escalating things. Don’t engage with aggressive drivers or get drawn into making rude gestures. Stay in your car with the doors locked if you feel unsafe.
Tips for you:
- If you experience road rage, find a safe spot to stop and reset.
- Don’t challenge angry drivers or make rude gestures; let them pass.
- In cases of real and immediate danger, contact police, 19% of Australian drivers now use dashcams, and police can use footage if needed
Small changes in attitude go a long way. Practising positive driving habits, such as staying calm, getting enough sleep, and allowing yourself plenty of time, reduces stress and helps keep frustration in check.
Over time, you’ll notice more confidence and fewer risky encounters behind the wheel.
People also ask about road rage topics and how to prevent it
To provide you with quick and helpful insights, here are some frequently asked questions about road rage, its causes, and how to stay safe on the road.
1. What is road rage and how does it differ from aggressive driving?
Road rage describes intense anger and aggressive behaviour behind the wheel, including gestures, shouting, tailgating, or physical violence.
Aggressive driving refers to unsafe actions like speeding, weaving, or running red lights; road rage is usually more emotional and can escalate to assaults or damage.
2. What causes road rage in Australia?
Common causes include traffic congestion, delays, perceived rudeness, and stress from daily life. Younger and male drivers tend to report more road rage incidents. Other triggers are lack of sleep, tight schedules, and disruptive behaviour from other drivers.
3. How common is road rage in Australia?
Road rage remains widespread, with 83% of respondents in a 2024 survey reporting they’d experienced shouting, cursing, or rude gestures from others on the road. About 44% of Australians say they’ve been victims of road rage in the past year.
4. What are the warning signs of road rage and what should I do if confronted?
Warning signs include tailgating, aggressive gestures, shouting, deliberate lane changes, and pursuing other vehicles. If confronted, avoid eye contact, do not engage, and drive to a public place or the nearest police station if you feel threatened.
5 . Can defensive driving help avoid road rage incidents?
Yes. Defensive driving teaches safe habits, such as maintaining a safe distance, anticipating other drivers’ moves, and managing your own emotions, thereby reducing the risk of conflict and accidents.
Final Thoughts: Road Rage Has No Place on Our Roads
Australian roads should be safe for all. Road rage incidents and physical violence have real consequences, from car accidents to lost confidence and even physical harm. The best way to avoid road rage is to remain calm, anticipate danger, and lead by example through defensive driving.
If you’re struggling with anger or feel that your emotions are affecting your driving skills, talk to someone or consider professional support. Our roads are safer when everyone drives with patience, empathy, and a focus on positive driving behaviours.
Let’s keep our roads safe, one calm driver at a time.
