University Of Cincinnati researchers discovered that political bumper stickers from opposing parties make drivers more hostile during traffic encounters. The study involved 895 participants who watched simulated dashcam videos of cars driving well or poorly with different bumper stickers. Researchers found that when drivers behaved badly, opposing party stickers significantly increased aggressive responses. “Partisan hostility is not simply a feature of Washington D.C.—in reality, for some Americans, it could be merely a wrong turn away,” the researchers wrote. Participants were more likely to honk and rated opposing drivers colder on feeling scales. Political stickers had minimal effect during good driving situations. (Story URL)
PHONE TOPIC: What really makes you angry on the road?