Expedia.com announced the results of the Expedia 2015 Road Rage Report to quantify what driver actions makes people the most angry
“The Texter” was the most bothersome for 26% of Americans followed by the “The Tailgater” (13%) and “The Left Lane Hog” (12%).
25% of respondents said they “regularly or occasionally” talk on their mobile phone while driving.
One out of five Americans have downloaded apps specifically to use while driving.
32% of Americans report that they still typically rely on written/printed directions when driving, versus apps, and dashboard GPS or their vehicle’s navigation system. Google Maps was the clear favorite, preferred by 35% of Americans. Twelve percent of Americans rely instead on Apple Maps.
In-Car App Use Stats
- 83% have used a map app while in the car.
- 46% have used a traffic app.
- 38% have used a music app, and have also used weather apps.
- 35% of driving Americans have used an app to find a restaurant.
- 28% to find a gas station
- 16% to find a hotel.
The Rage, Threats & Helpers
Some people (4%) got so angry they got of the car and engaged with others. No wonder, 13% of Americans have felt physically threatened by another driver. The news was not tragic, 40% of Americans reported having stopped to help another driver in distress.
Rudeness Counts
New York City (42%) and Los Angeles (32%) were rated as having the rudest drivers.
The least popular in-car behavior is “back-seat driving,” by 52% of Americans. Followed by the “Reluctant Co-Pilot” – 12% of Americans, the “Radio Hog” (10%), the “Snoozer” (8%), the “Shoe Remover” (7%) and the “Snacker” (6%).
Fifty-one percent of Americans report that they loathe sharing the road with bad drivers, more than cyclists, buses, taxis, joggers and walkers combined. Nearly all Americans (97%) rate themselves as “careful” drivers, but feel that only 29% of fellow drivers merit the description.
Sixty-one percent admit to speeding, while 29% admit to following other vehicles too closely. Twenty-six percent have yelled or used profanity at another driver. Seventeen percent have made a rude gesture, but 53% have been on the receiving end of one.
The study was commissioned by Expedia and conducted by GfK, an independent global market research company. Among other queries, GfK asked 1,000 Americans to rank the behavior of their fellow motorists in order of aggravation.