Rage- Pedestrian, motorist, Cyclists and YOU May, 2014 | Page 5

Why Might Driving Arouse Anger?

Immobility: When we drive, our bodies remain relatively still, tension builds up when we're physically contricted.

Regulation: Driving is highly restricted whether that be because of the government, or law enforcement officers.

Lack of personal control: Traffic flows not at the pace of you but the rest of the drivers. Impossible to take traffic into your own hands.

Territoriality: Car is a symbol for our individual freedom, when others try to take over our space or "territory," we tend to respond with aggressive actions.

Venting: American culture tends to encourage venting anger. The term "letting it all out" instead of keeping it in is often suggested.

Other theories

Socioenvironmental factors: Evergrowing population, highway engineering that impedes traffic flow, anonymity of driving.

Mental illness factors: Anger disorders that can be triggered by driving.

Cultural habit factors: Stressful world, faulty attitudes, cars act as a mobile form of rudeness and aggression.

by Brandon Veles