Angry Cars, Unsafe Cities

I recently came across an article on road safety in India that mentioned a comment by our Hon'ble Transport Minister, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, stating that the increasing number of road accidents and fatalities is a failure of the government. He also remarked that there is neither respect nor fear for road laws in our country. It’s rare for government officials to admit their shortcomings, but this statement reflected a sobering truth that I couldn’t help but agree with.

While it is commendable that the government acknowledges this issue, there are other contributing factors that raise questions about our driving habits and behaviour. Every drive now seems fraught with close calls, leaving law-abiding drivers questioning whether it’s even worth following the rules when large SUVs speed past them recklessly. We’ve all noticed the sudden surge of SUVs on showroom floors and city streets. But in cities that don’t face extreme terrains like tundras, deserts, or forests, do we really need these off-roaders as everyday vehicles? SUVs may help with the ever-increasing potholes, but the real solution should be fixing the roads, not opting for high-clearance vehicles.

That said, high-clearance cars do provide a practical solution to unresolved infrastructure issues, particularly for those who can’t wait for road improvements and need to commute daily. However, the aggressive exterior designs of these vehicles suggest an uncomfortable aspirational trend. The problem arises when these imposing designs become the most sought-after by the masses.

From a psychological perspective, designs with predatory aesthetics trigger instinctual fight-or-flight responses. On the road, this reflex can influence how drivers react in tense situations—should they slow down and let the car pass, maintain speed and let the other driver find their way, or speed up to feel momentarily superior? When driving, there’s little time for contemplation, only reaction. A larger car might straddle two lanes, with aftermarket headlights glaring at oncoming traffic. Our instincts tell us to prioritize safety, which is, of course, the responsible thing to do.

But does the aggressive design of these cars encourage aggressive driving behaviour? Consider the mindset of a "predator" on the road: lane-hogging becomes effortless, exerting dominance is second nature, excessive honking is excused, and blinding other drivers with high beams feels justified. The car, in this sense, empowers the driver to feel invincible—to drive fearlessly, fast, and however they please. The sense of freedom that a car offers - be it SUV, hatchback, sedan, or a crossover - is unparalleled. Even the thought of an accident doesn’t faze some drivers because the sheer size of their vehicle provides an illusion of safety. But when does this confidence cross the line into recklessness, becoming dependent on intimidating & overpowering others? Laws can only do so much to curb dangerous driving, especially in a country where road etiquette is often seen as optional.

As basic principles of traffic suggest, speeding doesn’t necessarily get you to your destination faster—the pace of traffic generally determines arrival time for everyone. But on narrow, potholed roads, filled with uncertainty at every turn, a massive, aggressive-looking car might offer drivers a false sense of security, compensating for the safety their environments are lacking.

SUVs also pose a significant danger to pedestrians and two-wheeler riders. A collision with one of these vehicles can lead to injuries to vital organs like the lungs and heart, while a smaller car would hit below the waistline. Car companies are rolling out stunning SUVs brimming with personality, features, and capabilities, but we must also consider how these designs are impacting driving behaviour. Today’s road conditions will shape the habits of tomorrow’s drivers, and as the automotive industry grows, design should address how to improve driving education and cultivate respect for road laws and etiquette.

Interestingly, we’re seeing a shift in consumer demand from aggressive designs to more rectilinear, 80s-inspired aesthetics. These vehicles appear more futuristic, confident, and purposeful. Whether this design trend will positively influence driving behaviour remains to be seen.

Ultimately, the choice to buy aggressive-looking vehicles reflects more than just a desire for size and power. Beneath the surface, customers may be seeking better roads, more considerate drivers, and a sense of control in a world that feels increasingly unsafe. These cars mirror the latent fears of their owners, who, like everyone else, want to feel secure on the road. People aren’t necessarily looking for predatory cars—they’re asking for safer environments.