What is 'road rage' in the context of traffic crashes?

In the context of traffic crashes, 'road rage' refers to aggressive driving behavior that can escalate to reckless actions, ultimately resulting in collisions. This behavior often stems from frustration, anger, or stress while driving, leading individuals to react impulsively or aggressively towards others, which can include tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and even engaging in confrontations with other drivers. Understanding this definition is crucial for traffic crash investigations, as identifying the presence of road rage can help explain the contributing factors to a crash and assist in determining accountability.

The other options do not correctly capture the essence of road rage. For instance, vehicle malfunction is a mechanical issue unrelated to the driver's emotional state, while defensive driving techniques relate to safe practices rather than aggressive behavior. Lastly, describing road rage as a harmless reaction undermines its potential danger, as it directly contributes to unsafe driving conditions that can lead to severe accidents.