What differentiates aggressive driving from road rage?

Aggressive driving is characterized by behaviors that are selfish and pushy, which can include actions like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and disregarding traffic signals. These actions typically stem from a driver’s impatience or frustration, but they do not necessarily involve a personal attack on another driver.

In contrast, road rage goes a step further, involving confrontational behavior driven by extreme anger, such as yelling, making obscene gestures, or even engaging in violent actions against other drivers. Road rage often manifests in observable incidents that can escalate the situation to dangerous levels.

While some aspects of aggressive driving can be unintentional or triggered by circumstances on the road, the underlying issue of being self-centered and inconsiderate is what sets aggressive driving apart. Thus, identifying aggressive driving as selfish and pushy captures its essence and helps in understanding the broader implications for road safety and driver behavior. This recognition is crucial for addressing both issues on the road effectively.