While the holidays are typically a time of joy and cheer, the days after Christmas can still be stressful for many shoppers. Stores and parking lots are often crowded as people head out to return or exchange gifts that weren’t quite right.

“After Christmas, many drivers are focused on making returns, finding parking, or dealing with long lines, which can lead to frustration and distraction behind the wheel,” said Elizabeth Carey, director of public relations at AAA Western and Central New York. “AAA is reminding drivers to stay patient, use caution, and prioritize safety as they travel during this busy post-holiday period.”

Unfortunately, aggressive driving remains all too common on U.S. roadways, including during the busy days after Christmas. A 2025 report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety identified five types of drivers based on risky driving behaviors, such as speeding and distracted or aggressive driving. The report found that while most drivers recognize these behaviors as very or extremely dangerous, many still admit to engaging in them — especially during stressful, high-traffic periods like post-holiday shopping.

As drivers head out to stores to return or exchange gifts, AAA reminds everyone to avoid road rage behaviors. These include purposefully tailgating, yelling or honking in anger, making aggressive gestures, blocking another vehicle from changing lanes, cutting off other drivers, exiting a vehicle to confront someone, or intentionally bumping another vehicle. Staying calm, patient, and focused can help keep everyone safe during the busy post-holiday rush.

AAA offers these tips to help prevent road rage during this holiday shopping season:

Follow the rules of the road

• Maintain adequate following distance.
• Use turn signals and allow others to merge.
• Tap your horn if you must (but no long blasts with accompanying hand gestures).
• Be considerate in parking lots.
• Remaining calm and courteous behind the wheel lowers your risk of an unpleasant encounter.

Dealing with Confrontation

• Don’t respond to aggression with aggression.
• If you feel you are at risk, drive to a public place such as a police station, hospital, or fire station.
• If you are confronted, stay as calm and courteous as possible.

Always Remember

• Don’t Offend: Never cause another driver to change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.
• Be Tolerant and Forgiving: The other driver may just be having a really bad day. Assume that it’s not personal.
• Do Not Respond: Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, and contact 911 if needed.