The Plague of Aggressive Driving: Definitions, Causes, Severity, Consequences, and Solutions

Abstract

The paper looks into aggressive driving as a whole. First, different definitions from different sources were introduced. The differences in definitions were discussed depending on the reporting entity, including newspaper articles, research studies, and legal documents (laws). Then, the authors provided a comprehensive definition to accommodate all purposes of an aggressive driving definition. Next, to better understand aggressive driving, the causes of aggressive driving were discussed, and vulnerable groups were highlighted. The causes are split into demographic, societal, environmental, situational, and personal traits. The severity and consequences of aggressive driving were illustrated to provide an image of the issue’s intensity. One highlight is that 89% of drivers admit to participating in aggressive driving behaviors [ 1 ] [ 2 ] . The currently adopted solutions to combat the problem were divided into engineering, education, and enforcement. An elaboration of each tactic was discussed. Then, some creative solutions were addressed. Engineering and education solve the problem before it becomes an issue on roadways. As for enforcement which, as it increased, fatalities decreased; can ensure all drivers comply with the rules. The conclusion is that a combination of all three solutions is needed to achieve an efficient model of fighting aggressive driving.