ABC Radio
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Driving me mad: why we get road rage
Driving me mad: why we get road rage
Driving me mad: why we get road rage
Saturday 24th January 2026
Explore why calm individuals lose their cool on the road and discover strategies to manage road rage with insights from experts and personal stories.
30 minutes
Informative
Engaging
Honest
Educational
Inspiring
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ABC Radio
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Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Get the buttons here!Why Do We Rage Behind the Wheel?
Episode Overview
- Identify personal triggers that lead to road rage.
- Use the 5-5-5 rule to assess the significance of incidents.
- Understand how car type can influence driving behaviour.
- Recognise the role of hostile attribution bias in road rage.
- Consider strategies like calming music or allowing extra travel time.
"It's not about you."
What drives someone to see red behind the wheel? This episode of 'All In The Mind' tackles the puzzling phenomenon of road rage, featuring Simon, a delivery driver whose personality flips when he's behind the wheel. Despite being mild-mannered, Simon finds himself boiling over in Melbourne traffic, especially when loading zones are blocked.
You'll hear from Amanda Stephens, a senior research fellow at Monash University, who provides fascinating insights into why otherwise calm individuals might lose their cool on the road. She discusses concepts like hostile attribution bias and how our perception of threat can escalate anger. Simon’s story is relatable to many who experience a similar transformation while driving.
The episode also explores how the type of car you drive might influence aggressive behaviour, backed by research from the University of Nevada and Helsinki. Amanda offers practical advice on managing road rage, including recognising personal triggers and using techniques like the 5-5-5 rule to defuse tension. With a mix of personal anecdotes and expert analysis, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the psychology behind road rage and offers listeners tools to keep their cool.
Whether you're a frequent road rager or just curious about the science behind it, this episode promises valuable insights and perhaps even a chuckle or two. So, next time you're tempted to honk at a slowpoke, remember Simon's steering wheel note: 'It's not about you.' How do you keep your cool on the road?