Colorado State University Road Rage Study

Stephen King was onto something with Christine. Drivers who give their cars human traits - calling them he or she, or naming them - are more likely to engage in road rage than those who don't, according to a Colorado State University study. "No one likes to admit they're a bad driver, so this gives them an excuse. They blame the car," says co-author Jake Benfield. And folks with bumper stickers or items hanging from the rearview mirror are more likely to be aggressive or impatient.

This interesting tidbit of information came from the July 2007 issue (page 186, RD Cars) of the magazine Reader's Digest. What do you guys and gals think about this finding? As for me, yes, my trucks have names, but no, I don't have much road rage.

My '86 Mazda is named Burden, because he truly is a Burden. I prefer to refer to the purchase of him as a "lesson" rather than a "mistake," if you know what I mean. It's not even a love/hate relationship, because that would indicate feelings, and that's giving Burden way too much credit right there. However, Burden would make the perfect road rage vehicle, as I would be more willing to punt someone off the road or brake check a tailgater in Burden than in my '99 S10, Jessie. Now Jessie, she's generally a good girl, and she's way more fun to drive than Burden. However, she is more susceptible to roadside failures and vandalism, and I wouldn't engage in road rage with her.

Overall, I'm a mellow, windows-down, beats bumpin' type of driver, EVEN though I give my trucks human traits. Perhaps keeping modified trucks on the road leaves no spare energy for road rage. Or, for some of you who enjoy dragging, you have plenty of rage against the road, leaving none for other drivers.

What about you?