The prevalence of road rage: estimates from Ontario

"Road rage" has increasingly generated public concern, however, the prevalence of this behaviour has not been available. We examine the prevalence and demographic correlates of road rage victimization and perpetration based on a population survey of adults in Ontario.

Data are based on the CAMH Monitor, a repeated cross-sectional telephone survey of Ontario adults (n = 1,395). The contribution of demographic factors to road rage was examined with logistic regression analysis.

About half of respondents (46.6%) were shouted at, cursed at or had rude gestures directed at them in the past year, and 7.2% were threatened with damage to their vehicle or personal injury. Nearly a third of respondents (31.7%) admitted to shouting, cursing, etc. at someone, and 2.1% threatened to hurt someone or damage their vehicle. Being a Toronto resident, being younger, and earning a higher income were associated with greater likelihood of being a victim of shouting, cursing and rude gestures; however, income was not associated with being threatened with vehicle damage or injury. The likelihood of admitting to shouting, etc. at someone was greater for males, younger respondents, Toronto residents, higher income earners, and never married respondents; however, threatening someone was associated with younger age and lower education level.

These results provide a first indication of the prevalence of road rage in Ontario. Road rage, in its milder forms, appears to be common, involving between a third and a half of respondents as either a victim or a perpetrator. Nearly 1 in 10 Ontario residents were threatened with damage or personal injury.