Is road rage getting worse? And how can you keep it in check?

Canadians have a reputation for being unerringly polite and friendly — but when it comes to road rage we are as guilty as everyone else of losing our cool on the roads.  

In fact, a 2021 study found that 95% of Ontario drivers confessed to aggressive behavior while driving and 30% of drivers across Canada have contemplated aggressive actions while on the road, such as hurling objects at other vehicles, tailing them or even directly confronting other drivers.  

Even more alarmingly, 14% of respondents admitted to being so enraged that they actually followed through on these aggressive impulses. So, what gives? Why are so many drivers in Canada getting so angry behind the wheel and what can be done about it? 

What causes road rage?  

Road rage can be caused by a variety of factors. Dr. Deborah Gilman, owner and chief licensed psychologist at Fox Chapel Psychological Services notes that one of the most obvious causes is gridlock.  

“As cities become more crowded and traffic increases, the likelihood of encounters on the road rises,” she says. “This can lead to heightened tensions and a greater potential for road rage incidents.”  

Gilman also points her finger at smartphones as a less obvious – but increasing – contributor to road rage. And not just as tools of distraction.  

“The constant bombardment of information and stimuli in today's world can erode patience and tolerance, leading drivers to become more impatient and less forgiving of others on the road,” she says.   

Some additional factors that can give rise to road rage, include:  

Frustration and impatience

Unexpected delays brought on by construction or traffic jams can wear away at a driver’s patience, which in turn can cause someone in a rush to start to take risks like driving too quickly or cutting other drivers off.  

Aggressive or hostile personalities 

According to Gilman, “Individuals with aggressive or hostile personalities may be more likely to interpret ambiguous situations as provocations and respond aggressively.” For example, she says, a driver who is already in a foul mood may take even a minor traffic incident personally and overreact to it.  

Lack of empathy

Believing that you are the only person on the road who has a right to go where you want to go as quickly as possible can be a dangerous precursor to road rage. Having compassion for other drivers and understanding that everyone experiences stress while driving can help curb road rage.  

Related: Stay in your lane: Unusual driving laws in Canada 

How can drivers keep their cool on the roads? 

That well-worn wisdom from your parents that you should give yourself a lot of time to get to your destination so you’re not rushing is one of the best ways to avoid getting hot-headed while behind the wheel.  

Here are some additional tips to put the brakes on aggressive driving: 

Listen to soothing sounds

Put your death metal music on pause and go for a soothing playlist or a fun/comedic podcast instead. Or listen to an absorbing (but not distracting) audio book. Calming music or an engaging audio program can help moderate your stress levels while driving. 

Positive self-talk 

Or skip the music and listen to your inner voice! Gilman recommends using positive self-talk to “help you challenge negative thoughts and emotions that may contribute to road rage.” Positive self-talk is when you try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.  

“Instead of thinking ‘That driver is so stupid,’ try thinking ‘Everyone makes mistakes, including me,’” coaches Gilman.  

Plan your route

Familiarize yourself with your route beforehand and use GPS to avoid getting lost. A driving app can often warn you about up-to-the-minute accidents or construction so you can avoid bad traffic beforehand. 

Practice mindfulness

Gilman also extols the virtues of meditation and deep breathing while driving.  

“These practices can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it less likely that you'll react angrily to provocations on the road,” she says. “For instance, if you find yourself stuck in traffic, try taking a few deep breaths and focusing on your surroundings. This can help you stay present and avoid getting caught up in negative emotions.” 

Road rage could cost you – in more ways than one 

While rage in itself is not illegal, it can encourage irresponsible driving and aggressive behaviour like speeding, not passing safely and tailgating. This kind of careless driving could lead not only to hefty fines (ranging in Ontario anywhere from $400 to $2,000 per ticket) but even more costly increases in your car insurance.  

Using the LowestRates.ca auto insurance quoter, a 35-year-old driver living in downtown Toronto would pay 19% more on their insurance if they went from having no tickets on their record to having a single ticket for following too closely.  

If they receive a ticket for dangerous driving, they would have to pay 157% more on their insurance, compared to if they had no tickets.  

If you develop a history of risky driving, you may eventually have a hard time finding an insurance provider willing to insure you at all.  

However, the biggest impact of road rage or distracted driving could be on your live and the lives of people around you if they lead to a serious collision or even a fatality.  

The bottom line

Road rage is a serious issue for Canadian drivers that involves complex environmental and psychological factors. While it can be tempting to respond to aggressive driving in kind, doing so could have severe consequences that go beyond costly fines and huge hikes in your insurance. Having strategies at the ready to deal with potential driving frustrations will ensure that your emotions won’t take the wheel. 

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