What distinguishes aggressive driving from road rage?

Aggressive driving is characterized as behavior on the road that demonstrates a selfish disregard for the safety of others, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or excessive speeding. These actions are driven by a need to gain an advantage or to get to a destination faster, rather than by intent to cause harm. In contrast, road rage is typically associated with a more severe emotional response where a driver may intentionally engage in behaviors that threaten the safety of others, driven by intense anger or frustration. This can include hostile gestures, verbal attacks, or even physical confrontations.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for drivers because it highlights the varying degrees of dangerous behavior on the road and how one's mental state can influence driving actions, leading to significant differences in safety outcomes. Recognizing aggressive driving as an unsafe behavior that must be corrected is an essential part of promoting road safety and reducing incidents of road rage.