You see them everywhere: bumper stickers supporting or even mocking a particular political cause. While they almost never change another motorist’s political beliefs, they do have an effect. They can affect driving behaviors.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that drivers were much more likely to honk after being cut off by a car displaying a political bumper sticker—especially one from the opposing party.
“Bumper stickers are a meaningful way partisan divides are reinforced in everyday life,” UC researchers wrote. “They have tangible impacts on road safety.”
In their study, published in Frontiers in Political Science, UC professors Rachel Torres and Ben Farrer examined political polarization in an everyday setting: driving.
Participants completed attitude surveys before taking part in a driving simulation. In half the tests, another car cut them off without signaling; in others, it turned normally. The offending vehicle displayed either no sticker or one reading “Proud Democrat,” “Proud Republican,” or “I love my dog.”
Drivers said they were significantly more likely to honk when the other car displayed support for the opposing party. “It activated their partisan hostilities,” Torres said.
Torres added that car culture is deeply tied to American identity — and increasingly politicized. “Has it become more partisan? The answer is yes,” she said.
Participants also completed demographic and personality questionnaires. Nondrivers were excluded. In post-simulation surveys, researchers found that political stickers did not create more goodwill toward one’s own party but did heighten hostility toward the opposition.
“We never found bumper stickers to have a positive impact,” Torres said. “They didn’t improve people’s perceptions of their group or others.”
RELATED
- Road rage is rising; almost all drivers admit to aggressive driving
- DUI: Some marijuana users’ attitudes toward safety may put you in danger
- Are more drivers ignoring traffic laws?
- New, updated driving laws going into effect in 2025
RVT1230b
I just wear my red hat.
Very triggering.🤣🤣🤣
Apparently so is flying my American flag.
Political bumpers stickers are a personal choice. Derogatory ones are just looking for a confrontation.
Only stickers on my tow vehicle and camper are ones from the state parks we’ve visited, and ham radio equipment sellers/manufacturers…
The only bumper sticker I have says: “I Hate Bumper Stickers”.
How much did taxpayers pay for this study. LOL
What do bumper stickers on the back of cars have to do with RVing? No, I don’t care what bumper sticker is on the back of some pickup truck when they think it is smart to pull out in front of my 25-ton motorhome. If my generator should find a new home, crushing someone, I have a dashcam video to provide to local law enforcement. I am not sure when the right-of-way rules changed, so all you have to do is get in front of someone or flash a blinker once, and everyone is supposed to get out of your way. Aggressive driving has no business in or near heavy vehicles or people pulling trailers. Johnny Law should spend more time observing and less time babysitting a radar gun.