Study: Aggressors Drive Black

According to a survey conducted by the German driver's association ADAC, drivers of high-powered cars have a particularly bad reputation as agents provocateurs in traffic. The participants of the study claimed, that tailgating belongs particularly to the repertoire of BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
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(50.6 percent), MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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(32.2 percent), AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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(25.9 percent) and PorschePorscheGermany, 1931 > present43 models
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(8.7 percent) drivers.

But not only the horsepower, also the body color seems to be an indicator of hooliganism on the streets. A black car induces a bad feeling in 43,5 percent of respondents and 9.7 percent suspect an aggressive driver, when spotting a silver vehicle.

The study also found that most German drivers have at least once been the victim of aggressive behavior on the roads of Germany. Especially the famed Autobahn is a tough environment to drive, with over half of the drivers claiming to be harassed here by speeders. In city traffic, the percentage of those affected is 23 percent and on the national highway it is at 16 percent.

Ironically, while 80 percent of the questioned felt already provoked by tailgaters, 30 percent of respondents claims to feel provoked by others driving too slow too. Also, aggressive behaviour in traffic seems to be on the rise as one in five respondents believes that aggression has increased in recent years.

This study was conducted in Germany, but do you think it is valid beyond? Tell us about your experience with bullying on public roads in your country!