I’m not saying capitalism doesn’t have a lot to answer for, but I’m pretty sure road rage has separate and distinct causes related to cars themselves, including but not limited to:
When you’re enclosed in a car you become more anonymous and may feel less accountable for your bad behavior than you would if you were exposed as a pedestrian. Conversely, other drivers are also enclosed so it becomes easier to dehumanize them.
You’re driving what’s likely your most expensive piece of personal property, so you’re prone to be defensive when it’s threatened by other drivers’ behavior.
A car is also a very personal choice that’s designed to provide the comfort of a private space, so it’s easy to feel like the presence of other road users is intruding on your space.
I’m not saying capitalism doesn’t have a lot to answer for, but I’m pretty sure road rage has separate and distinct causes related to cars themselves, including but not limited to:
When you’re enclosed in a car you become more anonymous and may feel less accountable for your bad behavior than you would if you were exposed as a pedestrian. Conversely, other drivers are also enclosed so it becomes easier to dehumanize them.
You’re driving what’s likely your most expensive piece of personal property, so you’re prone to be defensive when it’s threatened by other drivers’ behavior.
A car is also a very personal choice that’s designed to provide the comfort of a private space, so it’s easy to feel like the presence of other road users is intruding on your space.