Driver Anger: Experienced and Expressed

Abstract

This study aimed to explore driver anger using a Driving Anger Scale (DAS), a subscale of the Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) and a General Anger Scale (AX-O). The driving anger scale measured both experienced and expressed anger in various driving related contexts. In connection with this we also explored the effect of gender and age. Participants in this study who received a postal survey were 1794 adult subjects (1283 males and 511 females). The items dealing with different anger provoking situation were analysed using a principle-components factor analysis and formed four sub-scales: impeding driving, illegal driving, hostile gestures and police presence. The result showed that young drivers scored higher on impeding driving, hostile gestures and police presence. Women in all age groups scored higher on illegal driving and in the oldest age group this also applied to impeding driving. The results also showed a high correlation between the degree of provocation and expression of anger in both men and women. Young drivers expressed their anger more overtly than older drivers. With regard to gender very few differences was found except for young men expressing more anger in connection with hostile gestures and women in the oldest age group expressing more anger in relation to illegal driving. The combination of DBQ and DAS presented a significant relationship indicating that own behaviour was related to their reaction of others. Finally the results could establish that the expression of anger behind the wheel was related to how people express their anger in other situations. In conclusion the degree of anger varies according to its context. Men and women and different age groups are provoked by different events in traffic although when they are provoked very few suppress this feeling. Anger on the road is also strongly related to anger off the road.