What distinguishes aggressive driving from road rage?

Aggressive driving is characterized by a pattern of selfish or reckless behaviors behind the wheel, such as changing lanes without signaling, tailgating, or weaving in and out of traffic. These actions can endanger others on the road, but they typically do not involve an emotional response aimed at harming another driver. In contrast, road rage is often driven by intense anger or frustration, leading a driver to engage in intentional acts of aggression that are aimed at harming or threatening another individual. This distinction highlights that while both aggressive driving and road rage can result in dangerous situations, the latter includes a deliberate intent to cause harm.

Understanding this difference is crucial for drivers because it emphasizes the importance of maintaining control and composure while driving. Recognizing the distinction can help in identifying and correcting behaviors that could escalate into road rage incidents, thereby promoting safer driving practices overall.