Road Rage in South Africa: Drivers Aggressive Behaviour

Yesufu, Shaka · 2025 · Crossref

DOI: 10.47814/ijssrr.v8i2.2526

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified

Get this paper ↗ (DOI — opens at the source; we link to it, we don't host it)

Summary

This paper addresses the escalating crisis of road rage in South Africa, examining it as a critical social and psychological problem linked to broader societal violence. The author, Shaka Yesufu, investigates the causes of aggressive driving behavior and seeks lasting solutions to mitigate the loss of life and injury associated with these incidents. The study is motivated by the observation that road rage has spiraled out of control, becoming a major threat to road safety and reflecting a normalization of violence within South African society. The research aims to distinguish between general societal aggression and specific driver behaviors, arguing that the two are inextricably linked. The study employs a qualitative methodology, specifically a systematic literature review analyzed through a thematic analysis approach. The author explores existing literature, legal frameworks such as the National Road Traffic Act No. 93 of 1996, and case studies to corroborate the harmful effects of road rage. The analysis categorizes aggressive behavior into four levels, ranging from mild expressions of annoyance to direct confrontational violence, and identifies three distinct types of road rage: "The Quiet" (passive-aggressive driving), "The Verbal" (cursing and gestures), and "The Epic" (physical fighting and weapon use). The review also incorporates psychological theories regarding anger regulation and situational triggers, such as traffic congestion and perceived discourtesy. Key findings indicate that road rage is driven by a combination of psychological factors, including low self-esteem, poor impulse control, and untreated mental health issues like depression, as well as environmental stressors. The paper highlights that South Africa’s culture of violence, rooted in historical trauma from apartheid, contributes to the acceptance of aggressive behavior. Statistical evidence cited shows that road rage-related arguments accounted for 1,151 murders in a single quarter of 2021–2022. The author notes that high-anger drivers exhibit hostile thinking, take greater risks, and are more likely to be involved in accidents. Furthermore, the current legal and administrative systems, including the Aarto system, are criticized for failing to address the urgency of the issue, with inadequate support for victims and insufficient psychological fitness evaluations for drivers. The significance of this research lies in its call for comprehensive interventions to curb road rage. The author concludes that rules of the road must be clearer and accessible in all official languages, and that periodic psychological evaluations for drivers are necessary. The paper advocates for stiffer criminal punishments for road rage offenders and improved support systems for victims. It also provides practical safety tips for drivers, such as avoiding eye contact with aggressive motorists and maintaining safe distances. Ultimately, the paper argues that addressing road rage requires acknowledging its connection to broader societal violence and implementing stricter legal and psychological measures to protect citizens.

Provenance

The full processing record for this entry. Every stage of this paper's journey through the pipeline is logged — what ran, with which tool and model, how many attempts it took, and when it last completed.

Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-26; verification: verified.

Topics

Ranked by relevance to this paper. Hover a topic for its definition.

• anger road rage