The social psychology of driving behaviour and the traffic environment: research on aggressive behaviour in traffic

This Dutch study attempted to determine whether it is possible to provide empirical support for the supposition that there is widespread aggression in road traffic. Concepts employed in the study are defined, the research methodology is described, and the conclusions drawn are presented. The actual behaviour of drivers was observed both in traffic and other situations and was followed by personal interviews. Drivers' behaviour was scored either as aggressive or not aggressive. Thus, verbal and actual behaviours were compared and variables related to aggression in the traffic situations were further investigated. The results were analyzed in terms of driver's sex, age, time and place of crossing, and the sex of the pedestrian walking across the crossing. It was found that drivers display aggressive behaviour in conflict situations on Dutch pedestrian crossings, and that it is particularly marked in the case of younger men and male pedestrians. Such behaviour is most frequent in the afternoon and during business and commercial driving. Cross cultural comparisons are made. It is suggested that respect for other road users is something that needs to be encouraged among Dutch drivers.