Increased aggression in (male) drivers

[LikeTheFruit]

I live in a major city with lots of roadworks going on at the moment. So there's lots of changes to lanes unexpectedly and temporary traffic lights popping up everywhere. I've learnt to expect the unexpected at times including people changing lanes last minute, doesn't stress me out at all.

In the last few weeks/months I've noticed a huge increase in aggression from other driver (virtually all male) and wondered if this was a nationwide thing or perhaps just related to the (very annoying) roadworks in our city centre currently.

A couple of example from the last week or so. This morning driving across at a junction, box junction. I slowed as I crossed as queue of traffic close to the lights on the other side. There was a man waiting to turn right coming towards me and when I started to slow starting shouting, swearing, gesticulating wildly at me. Last week, I was the last person through a set of lights (were still green when I went through) so was at the back of a queue of cars. A man turning right to join onto our road starting shouting, waving wildly, shaking his head at me and continued to do so for the next 5 mins or so he followed me. Now I can only think that he assumed I jumped a red light as I was the last cat but I'm honestly perplexed as to what I was supposed to have done wrong.

I've several other example of similar, high levels of aggression - red faced, clearly shouting, hand gestures etc over what se to be extremely minor things (not just to me, but to pedestrians and other drivers). Has anyone else noticed this?

Just to also say I'm a very self critical person but do think I'm a good driver before someone says I've been in the wrong. I've ruminated on each episode (a lot 😂) as that's my personality and honestly don't think I had done anything wrong on these occasions. I'm generally very calm and courteous but do get annoyed at times in car but don't shout at/gesture wildly at others.

My husband got knocked off his bike a while ago. 12 hours in A&E, multiple stitches and a series of visits to physio but at least he's still alive. The risks people take when trying to overtake a bike is unbelievable. My favourite is watching cars overtake bikes on blind bends. I witness it almost everyday. Yes, it was a male driver who knocked him off.

I hate driving in the UK. I live overseas and the drivers here are generally so chilled out. It makes driving so much easier. It doesn't take much for it to all fall apart though - just one or two people driving aggressively and it has a real knock on effect.

If the roundabout has no lane markings and has two lanes out then this is quite legitimate.

I have noticed this too. I thought it was bad luck. One literally tried to drive me off a single track road. We had a conversation where he decided he was the bigger vehicle so I should give way! Even though he sped up passed a passing point and drove like a twat. I sometimes think people have forgotten how to behave normally since lockdown. Or there is a lot of angry people out there in general!

Dh loved cycling in California - no road rage everyone really chilled. Unlike here…Comfort myself that all that apoplectic anger must be terrible for their hearts !

Let me guess which cars most of them are driving.

I doubt that roadworks are the whole cause though. Even with the secret oath that says that those digging roads are only allowed to work 8-4 Mondays to Fridays, and all non-essential work has to be carried out in February and March.

EarringsandLipstick · Yesterday 22:37

But I only see rude intimidating behaviour from men.

In the Newcastle area, there are plenty of nutty women drivers, too. I'd agree that it's more likely to be a man, but women seem to be more prone to it than years past.

I posted about one on Monday, on another thread. I had the temerity to be on a slip on / off road, needed to stay in lane and she kept swerving in at me, instead of slowing and dropping in behind - nothing behind me.

A few weeks ago, I wouldn't pull onto an already blocked junction (as you shouldn't) ad the Audi lady behind me just got on the horn. When the light turned red, she jumped out and came to my door, screaming abuse that I'd made her late!

The issue I have is drivers tailgating me on very bendy dangerous country roads whilst the weather has been really bad. It drives me mad.

Yes, I hate being tailgated and I try to let them past, if possible. I've noticed that it's invariably men on motorways and dual carriageways, but very often women, in built up areas.

Yes I've had this when it's been say minus 2 and I've not been sure if the roads are icy. They get so cross with me. Why are they so keen to get to their own funerals?

Why are they so keen to get to their own funerals?

Because they're the best drivers in the world, dontcha know? Us mere mortals aren't allowed to delay them for even a millisecond, it's illegal!

Here's an example:

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11753587/Husband-dying-wife-injured-step-daughter-grandson-hit-Mercedes.html

He has since been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop after a road traffic collision, causing death by driving a vehicle while uninsured, causing death by driving a vehicle while unlicensed, aggravated vehicle taking and making threats to kill.

There’s more male drivers than there is female. I don’t think there’s a nation wide problem where all men woke up and chose violence.

Road rage happens. I beeped a woman as she was trying to cut in front of me and there wasn’t room as traffic was coming to a standstill at the lights.

Her reaction was to roll down the window and stick her entire arm out and give me the middle finger for the entire time the lights were on red. Tbh she was probably embarrassed as everyone was staring at her, her arm was probably aching too but she committed so.