Prevalence Pattern of Road Rage across Traffic Routes in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: The study investigated the prevalence pattern of road rage across traffic routes in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria with view to identifying the types of road rage attitude and their effects on drivers, environment and vehicle. The study sampled a total of 352 drivers across the major motor parks/loading points in the study area. The obtained data was analysed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, tables and charts. Results showed that road rage behaviours such as tailgating, rude gestures, unsafe lane changes, verbal insult, bumper to bumper driving, running late, high speed chase, impatience were considered the most road rage in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Findings also showed that causes of road rage included driving behaviour such as tailgating (46.3%), gridlocks (15.3%), poor road condition (13.15), poor traffic control (11.3), and lack of public mass transit (14.2) and amongst others. Ikwerre Road recorded a high level of road rage manifestation, followed by Aba road and East-west road respectively. Therefore, the research recommends that, drivers should undergo adequate training and sensitisation on driving skills, and other related road traffic signs and its dangers, while relevant government agencies should ensure proper implementation and monitoring of various road traffic laws, etc.