This is probably because stress from growing traffic congestion causes anger, frustration and fear. The private anonymity of vehicles seems to promote antisocial responses. A clash between an ageing car fleet and more powerful new cars may also contribute. While psychologists may term such aggression 'need for dominance' or 'territorial defence' stemming from overcrowding, these terms do not help us solve the problem. Australians have been long used to wide open spaces and do not readily accept crowded roads and traffic jams.
Road rage exists in many forms, from mild to very extreme.
Besides the psychological trauma and possible injury, indirect effects are speeding, ignoring road signs, poor lane discipline and lack of courtesy. Road rage may also be costly in terms of higher fuel consumption, tyre and brake wear and the repair of collision damage. A Scottish study found that one quarter of drivers had given chase to others who had offended them in some way, while eight per cent had actually had a fight with other motorists. The British Automobile Association reports that nine per cent of drivers were victims of either verbal or physical attack last year. American surveys suggest that young male drivers dominate road rage.