Find Mediators Near You:

Correlation between bumper stickers on cars and driver aggression

That “Mediate, Don’t Litigate” bumper sticker may reveal a lot more about you than the fact that you support ADR — it may be warning other drivers that you’re aggressive behind the wheel.

In “Looking to Avoid Aggressive Drivers? Check Those Bumpers“, the Washington Post reports that people who personalize their cars display higher levels of aggression than those who don’t, according to a study by Colorado State University social psychologist William Szlemko:

Drivers of cars with bumper stickers, window decals, personalized license plates and other “territorial markers” not only get mad when someone cuts in their lane or is slow to respond to a changed traffic light, but they are far more likely than those who do not personalize their cars to use their vehicles to express rage — by honking, tailgating and other aggressive behavior.

It does not seem to matter whether the messages on the stickers are about peace and love — “Visualize World Peace,” “My Kid Is an Honor Student” — or angry and in your face — “Don’t Mess With Texas,” “My Kid Beat Up Your Honor Student.”

(Hat tip to The Situationist.)

                        author

Diane J. Levin

Diane Levin, J.D., is a mediator, dispute resolution trainer, negotiation coach, writer, and lawyer based in Marblehead, Massachusetts, who has instructed people from around the world in the art of talking it out. Since 1995 she has helped clients resolve disputes involving tort, employment, business, estate, family, and real property… MORE >

Featured Mediators

ad
View all

Read these next

Category

How Yes/And Defuses Workplace Conflict

Conflict Remedy Blog by Lorraine SegalMany conflicts at work and everywhere expand and linger because people believe there is only one right answer or one way to see or do things. If instead...

By Lorraine Segal
Category

The Significance of Emotional Engagement in Conflict Management

The ability to emotionally engage with an individual or group is a significant factor in establishing a constructive and helpful relationship. It is often the difference in whether an experience...

By Dale Eilerman
Category

Najar on Dispute Management 2.0

Business Conflict Blog by Peter Phillips Jean-Claude Najar has labored in the fields for General Electric in such onerous assignments as Florence and Paris. He nevertheless maintained his good cheer,...

By F. Peter Phillips
×