Worst cities for road rage
8 minute read Published on May 10, 2025 by BrokerLink Communications
Road rage incidents involving other drivers can be a daunting and frightening experience. Unfortunately, these types of traffic incidents are becoming more common in Canadian provinces. So, what are the worst road rage cities in Canada? Stick around to find out.
What is road rage?
First things first, what exactly is road rage? Road rage occurs when careless driving leads to frustrated and enraged drivers who choose to act aggressively toward other drivers. Road rage is highly dangerous and in some parts of Canada can lead to road rage shootings and other forms of gun violence incidents. When armed road rage incidents occur, it can put not only the lives of the individuals directly involved at risk but also those of innocent bystanders.
Common aggressive driving behaviors
Road rage can manifest in various aggressive driving behaviours. While some aggressive driving behaviors are more serious than others, all road rage incidents involving you and another driver can lead to careless actions that can lead to serious consequences. Here are some of the most common types of aggressive or careless driving behaviours that can be defined as road rage:
Aggressive honking of car horns
While it's okay to use your horn once in a while, excessive use is a form of road rage that can lead to an escalation of the situation that has more severe consequences.
Flashing of high beams
Flashing your high beams is an aggressive driving behaviour that is meant to disorientate the other driver behind the wheel of their vehicle. When this occurs, it can be difficult for the driver to see, putting them at risk of causing a car accident.
Brake checking
Brake checking is a form of road rage that is characterized by slowing down and tapping on your brakes in an effort to make the driver behind you have to slam on their own. This is dangerous as it can cause a pileup, especially during traffic congestion.
Tailgating
Tailgating is another careless or aggressive driving behaviour that occurs when one driver follows closely behind the driver in front of them. While following close behind another driver is meant as a form of intimidation, it can also lead to a car accident if the driver in front decides to slam on their brakes.
Obscene gestures
Some of the more reckless drivers on the roads may signal obscene gestures like the middle finger in their rearview mirror or out their window to notify you that they are frustrated, which can, again, escalate the situation at hand.
Cutting off other drivers
Cutting off other drivers in the left lane, middle lane, or right lane at high speeds can lead to severe collisions and put others on the road at risk of injuries.
Getting out of the vehicle
In some severe cases, the unsafe driver will get out of the vehicle and come toward you in an effort to confront you. This again is a form of intimidation and can lead to increasingly dangerous situations.
Gun violence
Driver confrontations involving gun violence and assault can occur when the most aggressive drivers believe they have been done wrong by another individual behind the wheel.
Rolling your window down to yell
Lastly, rolling down your windows when you yell at other drivers around you is also considered a form of aggressive or careless driving behaviour.
Worst road rage cities in Canada
While road rage can happen at any time, anywhere, some cities in Canada are known to have more road rage incidents than others. That said, while there is no specific road rage score for different areas in Canada, recent road rage statistics indicate that careless driving is becoming more prevalent each year, especially among city drivers, with 83% of Canadians surveyed reporting that they have witnessed road rage while driving and 52% admitting that they have committed careless driving behaviours that have lead to road rage incidents.
How to deal with aggressive drivers
While everyone wishes for a stress-free driving experience where they can picture scenic mountain passes and cool ocean breezes, there's a chance you may be involved in a road rage incident involving a reckless and aggressive driver. So, what exactly are you supposed to do when you are confronted with a driver in a road rage incident?
- Follow the speed limit.
- Practice mindfulness.
- Show empathy to other drivers.
- Avoid traffic congestion by leaving a bit earlier.
- Remain calm.
- Contact the police if the road rage incident becomes more aggressive.
Who is more prone to aggressive driving?
Reckless driving and road rage can be perpetrated by anyone on the west or east coast. That said, some individuals are more likely to participate in careless or aggressive driving than others. This includes young drivers, sports car drivers, and men.
Is road rage illegal in Canada?
While there are no explicit laws in the Criminal Code of Canada that list road rage as a criminal offence, behaviours involved in road rage scenarios can lead to assault, armed road rage incidents, and other illegal acts and traffic violations that can lead to jail time, fines, and the suspension of your driver's licence.
Can aggressive driving impact insurance rates?
If you are held liable for a car accident that stems from road rage, your insurance rates will increase as your insurance company will view you as a high-risk driver. To avoid high insurance rates, it's important to drive safely and responsibly and avoid instances of road rage when possible.
How long does an accident affect your insurance rates?
As you should know, accidents affect your insurance. But for how long? The truth is that it can vary depending on the severity of the accident and the circumstances surrounding what caused the crash to occur. That said, you can anticipate an accident lasting up to six years on your driving record. To prevent accidents from occurring, make sure to periodically brush up on safe driving tips, which are included in our motorcycle riding safety guide.
How long do demerit points last?
If you've recently been ticketed for speeding, reckless driving, or other traffic violations, you'll most likely have been given demerit points, which go on your driving history. Think of demerit points like bad grades. The more you have, the greater the risk you pose to insurance providers. So, how long do demerit points last on your driving history? Generally speaking, drivers can anticipate their accumulated demerit points to last up to five years on their driver's licence before they are erased.
Do you need to pay parking tickets?
Parking tickets can be frustrating. And oftentimes, there's some miscommunication amongst Canadian drivers about whether or not you need to pay these fines. There are numerous reasons you can get ticketed for parking, and unfortunately, you will need to pay them. That said, you will have 15 days to dispute your ticket charges should you wish to do so. Now, if you're worried about parking tickets affecting your insurance, don't panic--your insurance company can't take tickets into account when determining your premiums.
Do you need to pay for red light camera tickets?
Red light camera tickets are similar to speed camera penalties in the sense that you will not receive demerit points on your driver's licence. That being said, you will be charged a fine. Demerit points are ineffective as the camera cannot determine who was driving the vehicle at the time of the violation. Nonetheless, because the camera has your driver's licence, you will be ticketed and have to pay.
How can I check how many demerit points I have?
If you've recently been pulled over for aggressive driving or other traffic violations, you may be thinking about how many demerit points you have. To check, you can submit a request for your driver's abstract in person or online. Just keep in mind that you will have to pay a fee upon your request, which will vary depending on which province you live in.
What G1 restrictions do drivers in Ontario have?
G1 licence restrictions for new drivers in Ontario include keeping a blood alcohol level of 0 at all times, driving with a fully licensed driver, using a seat belt when driving, refraining from driving on the highway, and not driving between the hours of 12 and 5 a.m. Failing to comply with these constraints may result in penalties and the suspension of your driver's licence.
Why did my insurance premiums increase?
If you've recently purchased new insurance coverage, you may have noticed that your premiums have increased since last year. If you're wondering why this may have happened, don't worry, you aren't alone. Getting into a car accident can be a reason why your insurance premium increases, racking up demerit points, filing an insurance claim, moving to a new city, upgrading to a newer vehicle, and more are all possible scenarios of why the increase is occurring. If this happens to you, we suggest speaking with your insurance company and asking why your coverage is more expensive.
Do speeding tickets go on your licence?
Yes, speeding tickets do go on your driver's licence. When you are caught driving over the posted speed limit, you will likely be issued a traffic ticket, which requires you to pay a fine. The amount of the ticket will vary depending on how fast you are travelling and what province you live in. Beyond a monetary fine, you can also receive demerit points on your driver's licence, which will reflect negatively on your overall driving history. The more demerit points you have, the more your insurance costs will be and the more likely you'll have your driving privileges suspended.
How long does it take to get car insurance?
Generally speaking, it should take you no longer than 30 minutes to an hour to renew your car insurance. That said, if you are missing documents or face other challenges, it can not only make it harder to renew your insurance, but it can also take longer to get car insurance in general. Before going to your appointment, make sure you collect all of your required documentation, including your driver's licence, proof of address, previous insurance, proof of ownership, and other essential documents, to ensure that your appointment is as quick and stress-free as possible.
Protect yourself behind the wheel with high-quality insurance
In Canada, all motorists are legally required to have valid car insurance. However, the types of coverage and the minimum amounts required will vary between provinces. Beyond mandated policies, there are also optional insurance plans you can add to supplement your standard coverage for added peace of mind and protection against unforeseen accidents.
Here's a closer look at the mandatory and optional insurance policies in Canada you'll need to think about when renewing your car insurance:
Mandatory insurance in Canada
In Canada, certain types of insurance are legally required to protect drivers and the public from potential risks. Mandatory insurance coverages include:
- Third-party liability car insurance
- Accident benefits coverage (except Newfoundland)
- Uninsured automobile insurance
- Direct compensation - property damage (only Alberta and New Brunswick)
Optional insurance in Canada
In Canada, while some insurance types are legally required, there are also several forms of optional insurance that drivers can choose to purchase for added protection. Here are few of these optional insurance coverages and how they can offer additional peace of mind on the road:
- Comprehensive car coverage
- Collision car coverage
- Accident forgiveness insurance (varies by province)
Contact BrokerLink for affordable auto coverage today
At BrokerLink, we help Canadians find affordable car insurance. With access to several types of auto insurance from some of Canada's top providers, our experienced brokers can help you shop around, compare quotes, qualify for discounts like the safe driver discount, and answer any questions you may have free of charge.
To work with BrokerLink, come visit us at one of our many locations across the country. If there's no BrokerLink in your neighbourhood, you can always contact us by phone or email. In the meantime, take advantage of our online quote tool to get a free, competitive car insurance quote within minutes!