Road rage is bad enough, but things are escalating

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The online insurance quote generator, Insurance Hotline, does periodic studies showing what Canadian drivers are willing to (anonymously) reveal what they do on our roads, and what they think. Because we are all about the pandemic now after more than a year of its disruptions, it’s not surprising that the stress of living through these times is having an impact on all of us.

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It’s a Canada-wide survey , but the Ontarians offered some interesting answers.

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“95 per cent of Ontario… drivers admit to aggressive and road rage-like behaviours when behind the wheel. But 93 per cent of the same respondents consider themselves to be courteous drivers.” This is definitely a “Houston, we have a problem” moment.

85 per cent of Ontario drivers admit to speeding, which is hardly a big revelation. 57 per cent admit swearing (in the protection of their vehicle) and “making hostile hand gestures.” Who hasn’t wanted to flip the bird to the idiot who just cut you off? A further 63 per cent confess to tapping their brake when they’re being reared by a tailgater – a really stupid thing to do. Gambling on their ability to avoiding hitting you is meant to teach them a lesson?   

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Why does any of this matter? Because it’s getting worse, and it’s escalating. Across the country, “28 per cent of drivers have been angry enough behind the wheel to think about doing something impulsive.” This is a change from previous surveys; people are entertaining taking it beyond a hand gesture or jamming on their horn. Maybe it’s anxiety that is stacking up daily from our changed living and working circumstances; maybe it’s that our cars have been our only source of freedom for the past year in too many cases; or maybe it’s just a winnowing of personal responsibility at a time we feel increasingly frustrated.

Anne Marie Thomas, an expert at Insurance Hotline was equally concerned about the direction the road rage results have headed. “You just don’t know who is in that other car,” she said. “To think that people are considering escalating their frustration is scary.” She’s right. 

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Consider the following:

April 18, 2021 : In Walkerville, Ontario, Windsor police arrest a man after a road rage incident led to him pulling a gun on another driver around 6 pm. The 34-year-old was charged with among other things, pointing a firearm, threatening to use a weapon, possession of a handgun for a purpose dangerous to public peace.

March 26, 2021 : Windsor police are still looking for a man after a reported road rage incident.  “The victim and suspect were driving northbound [on Howard Avenue] when the suspect’s vehicle started driving “erratically.” Police said this caused the victim to “conduct defensive driving manoeuvres to avoid a collision. The suspect then pointed a gun at the victim.” You’re trying to get out of the way of a crazy driver and they pull a gun on you?

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March 8, 2021 : “ Waterloo regional police say a man allegedly brandished a gun during a road rage incident in Woolwich Township .” An individual was subsequently charged with possessing two loaded handguns, ammunition, and two long guns. A 45-year-old man was charged with multiple firearm and criminal code offences. This happened at 10:30 in the morning.

July 11, 2020 : “ At least one bullet was fired in what Barrie Police describe as an act of road rage.” The bullet hit the trunk of a vehicle. This happened at 9 pm at the height of the summer season. 

May 11, 2019 : In 22 years on the job, the attending police officer had seen nothing like it. “A shooting on the roadway, the victim and suspect not known to each other.” What happened? “ On a sunny spring afternoon earlier this year, a young man was driving down a residential street in London, Ontario, when a car pulled up beside him at a stop sign. The driver, a complete stranger, pulled out a gun and shot him in the face, police say.” The victim, 21, had a bruised cheek, shattered teeth, and two fractured vertebrae. Before the attack, the victim said he encountered a 2014 white Chevrolet Cruz “driving fast, erratically and aggressively,” police said. In response, the young man made a gesture – he held up his middle finger according to local media reports – and kept driving. That’s when police say the Cruze pulled alongside his car, and the driver fired the shot.”

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If the indicators are that people are getting angrier behind the wheel and are considering escalating that rage – and that some of those people might be armed – it’s a terrible, perfect storm. Sure, that idiot who cut you off might well deserve a birding. But think for one second about two things: was it an accident, or was it intentional? If it was an accident, let it go. Your rage will not change their error. If it was intentional, you want to be as far away as possible from someone willing to play stupid games while piloting 1500 kg of killing machine. 

Police say to call 9-1-1 if you’re threatened; they also always ask for dashcam footage if anyone can provide it surrounding incidents. If you’re the road rager intent on ‘getting even’ or ‘teaching someone a lesson,’ remember that terrified drivers can react unpredictably, and your Big Man antics might result in a far higher price than you anticipated.