Auto insurance claims stemming from road rage incidents in Ontario have risen by 9.25% over the past five years, according to Canadian insurtech firm MyChoice.
Brampton leads all Ontario cities in aggressive driving-related claims, with 6.05 road rage-related insurance claims per 100 auto insurance quotes (or 6.05%). North York (4.63%) and Scarborough (4.5%) follow closely behind, ranking second and third in the province.
The remaining cities in the Top 10 for road rage-related claims are:
- Hamilton (3.84%)
- Mississauga (3.52%)
- Toronto (3.12%)
- London (3.04%)
- Etobicoke (2.89%)
- Oshawa (2.37%)
- Kitchener (2.29%)
MyChoice’s analysis is based on data from over 150,000 auto insurance quotes in Ontario since 2020. The study defines road rage-related claims as those involving infractions such as speeding, failure to stop or signal, improper lane changes or passing, following too closely, and distracted driving.
Although similar data is not available for Alberta, if road rage is getting worse in Ontario it almost assuredly is here as well. According to DiscoverAirdrie, during 2023 the Alberta RCMP received more than 500 reports of dangerous driving, three of those causing death. Charges were laid or tickets issued in 184 of those incidents.
The Government of Alberta says that ‘road rage’ is often used interchangeably with the term ‘aggressive driving’, but has been defined in research through the Traffic Injury Research Foundation as a situation where a driver or passenger:
- attempts to intimidate, injure, or even kill a pedestrian, driver or passenger
- attempts to damage someone else’s vehicle
The difference between aggressive driving and road rage is the intention of the person to do physical harm. Aggressive drivers intentionally disregard safety, but generally do not intend to harm anyone.
Aggressive driving includes:
- Running red lights or speeding up to beat a yellow light
- Street racing
- Excessive speeding well beyond the posted limit
- Swearing or making rude gestures at other drivers
- Honking out of frustration
- Taking unnecessary risks for thrill-seeking purposes
Avoiding an aggressive driver or road rage incident
The Government of Alberta provides tips on how to avoid an aggressive driving or road rage incident. The first is to stay calm and avoid retaliation.
- If you come across an aggressive driver, avoid eye contact and do not honk or make rude gestures.
- Keep your cool and don’t escalate the situation — staying composed can help defuse tension.
- Avoid responding with aggressive driving behaviours of your own.
Remember, the other driver is a stranger — don’t allow their actions to affect your mood or decision-making.
The second tip is to always prioritize your own safety.
- If confronted, keep your doors locked and windows closed. Leave the area as soon as it is safe.
- If you feel at risk or in immediate danger, drive to the nearest police station or call 911.
- If you witness a road rage incident, do not intervene directly — report it to the authorities instead.
Keep calm and carry on (or pull over)
A May 2024 report by insurance aggregator rates.ca shows your auto insurance premiums could increase from anywhere between 10% and 30% if you are held liable for an accident caused by road rage.
Several factors can contribute to drivers exhibiting aggressive behavior, including:
- Heavy traffic congestion
- Delays caused by construction, roadwork, or hazards
- Rushing due to time constraints or running late
- Stress from personal or professional life
These circumstances can cause emotions such as:
- Impatience
- Anger
- Frustration
- Irritation
- Heightened stress
When combined, these factors and emotions increase the probability of aggressive driving behaviours. If you find yourself experiencing any of these, it might be time to pull over and take a moment to calm down. It could help save you from greater repercussions other than simply being late.
Planning ahead is one way to keep your emotions in check when driving. Check the road and weather conditions before heading out to identify any construction, traffic, or potential delays and always leave early enough to account for unexpected slowdowns.
If you’re delayed regardless, safely pull over and inform family, friends, or work if you’re delayed.
Another tactic if you’re already feeling stressed due to personal or work-related issues is to consider using public transit, a taxi, or a rideshare service instead of driving. This can help you avoid additional stress and reduce pressure on the road.
Finally, be kind. Nobody is perfect. Mistakes happen, and while you can’t control other drivers, you can control your own reactions. Realize that another driver’s actions are more than likely accidental rather than intentional. Staying calm, polite, and courteous can prevent situations from escalating and help maintain your own mental health.
Lower auto insurance rates from Lane’s
Insurance brokers such as us at Lane’s have access to the very best policies available from Canada’s most respected auto insurance providers, which means we can provide you with more options than a regular insurance company. We then do the shopping for you and know the right questions to ask to ensure you get the best deal available. We are a leading Alberta-based brokerage working out of Calgary, Banff, Edmonton and greater Alberta.
