Aggressive driving, road rage serious public safety concern in J&K

• Abid Bashir
• Comments 0
• 30 Apr 2026

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Pedestrians, two-wheeler riders most vulnerable 6 million injuries yearly from aggressive driving $250 billion economic burden worldwide 18 lakh vehicles strain J&K's roads Urban fatalities 40.6% | Rural 59.4% Two-wheelers involved in 30% of road deaths Driver education lacking 600 buses needed per one lakh people

Srinagar, Apr 29: An alarming rise in aggressive driving and road rage incidents across Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a serious public safety concern, with a recent socio-legal study warning that the Valley’s roads are fast turning into spaces of hostility rather than mobility.

The study, conducted by Er Mubashir Jan, Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Srinagar and published in the International Journal for Research in Engineering Application & Management (IJREAM), paints a disturbing picture of driver behaviour, infrastructure gaps and systemic shortcomings contributing to what it describes as an “escalating epidemic of aggressive driving.”

“Road rage, which is unreasonable and offensive behaviour of drivers, has worsened to such an extent that today it is said — where there is road, there is road rage,” the study notes.

Drawing from global trends, the research highlights that aggressive driving leads to nearly 6 million injuries annually worldwide and carries an economic burden of over $250 billion. While such figures are global, the study underscores that Jammu and Kashmir is not immune to this growing menace.

With nearly 18 lakh registered vehicles in the Union Territory, rising motorisation has significantly strained the already limited road infrastructure. According to data cited in the study from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH), 40.6 per cent of fatalities occur in urban areas, while 59.4 per cent are reported in rural regions. Notably, around 30 per cent of road traffic fatalities involving two-wheelers in J&K are attributed to road rage and aggressive driving behaviours.

The study distinguishes clearly between aggressive driving and road rage. While the former includes traffic violations such as speeding, tailgating and abrupt lane changes, road rage is described as a more dangerous escalation involving uncontrolled anger, verbal abuse, and even physical violence. “Rage cannot escalate unless anger crosses the threshold of control,” the study observes.

A range of everyday triggers contribute to such behaviour — from honking and flashing headlights to wrong overtaking, lack of indicators, traffic jams, and even halting vehicles mid-road. “Lack of driver education and training remains one of the primary causes,” Er. Jan states, adding that alcohol consumption and poor traffic discipline further aggravate the situation.

The research also presents a behavioural continuum of road rage, mapping 20 escalating stages of aggression — from mentally condemning another driver to extreme acts such as physical assault or even fatal violence. It finds that most drivers fall within the mid-range of hostility, often engaging in verbal abuse, tailgating, or confrontational gestures.

Beyond individual behaviour, the study places significant emphasis on systemic issues. It highlights the acute shortage of reliable public transport, particularly midi and mini buses, forcing commuters towards private vehicles and worsening congestion. Pedestrians, meanwhile, are left vulnerable due to encroached or non-existent footpaths, and the absence of subways at busy intersections.

“Mixed traffic shares scarce road space, increasing friction and conflict,” the study notes, pointing to the rapid growth of personal vehicles as a key factor behind rising tensions on roads.

In terms of solutions, the study advocates a multi-pronged approach combining infrastructure development, policy reform, and behavioural change. It calls for strengthening public transport, estimating that for every one lakh population, around 600 buses are required. For the Kashmir Valley, this translates into a need for nearly 35 lakh seating capacity through a mix of transport services.

It also recommends the adoption of Intelligent Transportation Systems, including camera-based enforcement to detect violations like red-light jumping and overspeeding without requiring physical policing.

Importantly, the study stresses the role of education and awareness. It links aggressive driving patterns to early social conditioning, noting that children often internalise the behaviour of adults behind the wheel.

On an individual level, Er. Jan advocates mindfulness and emotional regulation among drivers. “Driving is not a competition; it is a skill-based art. A calm mind, patience and mutual respect can transform road culture,” the study emphasises.