We’ve all seen the YouTube videos and we all think it can’t happen to us but as the holiday season approaches, road rage is genuinely something you could witness or even worse be a victim of this summer.

Is it just me or are we all guilty of once or twice giving a gesture or two, utilising one or more fingers to demonstrate your feelings to someone that cut you off in traffic? Most of the time a bit of horn beeping is as far as it goes and you move on with life but what if it doesn’t stop there?

New data from Nextbase Dash Cams concludes that we are “Still Just Kids” behind the wheel at Christmas. Their research not only gives you the state of play but also gives you practical tips to avoid road rage and how to calm the situation if you find yourself a part of it.

Nextbase’s survey was conducted last month and found

  • 78% of Australians have witnessed or experienced road rage
  • 50% of Australians shout and curse at other drivers during stressful festive journeys. See? I’m not the only one
  • 48% of Australians find driving during the Christmas period more stressful
  • 23% of Australians described the roads as hostile throughout the season
  • 41% of people admit to swearing under their breath in road rage frustration
  • 25% shout or make a hand gesture at other drivers
  • 21% have sounded their horn in anger

According to the survey a further 23% of Australians feel that the week leading up to Christmas to be the high risk period so the following tips may help you avoid getting on the naughty list.

Nextbase partnered with British psychologist Anjula Mutanda to give all drivers practical, science-backed techniques to handle road rage confidently and safely

  1. Recognise Your Body’s Threat Response – The moment you notice warning signs (racing heart, adrenaline), engage a quick grounding technique: name three things you can see, take three deep breaths, physically relax your shoulders and jaw. This 10-second practice re-engages rational thinking.
  2. Don’t Engage—The Science of De-escalation – Research shows matching aggression escalates conflict 90% of the time. Avoid eye contact, don’t gesture, and create physical distance.
  3. Remember: Road Rage is an Emotional Meltdown – Start with self-regulation using box breathing: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Research shows this reduces stress hormone levels by 50% within two minutes
  4.  Recover Before Continuing—Your Body Needs Time – Studies show drivers experience impaired attention for up to 20 minutes after an incident. Pull over safely if possible, continue box breathing, and practice cognitive reframing before continuing your journey
  5. The Psychological Safety of dash cams – It can feel reasonable to grab your phone to record someone’s road rage outburst but doing so often escalates the confrontation. A dash cam, on the other hand, captures evidence safely and passively. A visible dash cam can deter confrontational behaviour before it starts – and calmly pointing to it can help de-escalate the situation

For those that found themselves on the receiving end of road rage

  • 49% left the interaction feeling worried, isolated, intimidated and scared to continue their journey
  • 23% felt angry
  • 16% felt upset

Nextbase ambassador and Supercar driver David Reynolds said: “Christmas stresses bring out the inner child in all of us – and sometimes we see that behind the wheel. There are tantrums and frustration flare ups on the roads more than any other time of year. It’s more important than ever to plan your journey, leave early and stay calm when driving”

With the survey finding that 54% of Aussies would feel safer having dashcam footage it just might be the ideal time to give yourself or a loved-one an early Christmas present as the silly season approaches.