Researchers in a new study, published Frontiers in Political Science, found some especially interesting revelations. They showed that in surprising ways, American car culture is wrapped up in the fabric of political identities. Participants for the study were U.S. adult residents. It was intended to connect the dots between how driving and displaying bumper stickers became so politicized in today’s society. The researchers asked participants to provide detailed information about their identifying markers—such as gender, age, race, education level, and political partisan identity.
Once in the study, participants viewed a digitally produced animated dashcam video. The video featured a propulsion-less RV cruising down an open four-lane highway. The animation featured in the simulation followed one vehicle with erratic behaviors. Sometimes it cut across the participant’s lane without any blinker on, sometimes it executed the left turn but did so while staying in its own lane. This setup allowed researchers to assess the participants’ reactions based on the presence of bumper stickers that conveyed political affiliations.
Methodology and Findings
Participants of the study were U.S. adults who filled out a short behavioral questionnaire. They drove through a host of simulated distracted driving scenarios. In 1 in 2 videos, the offending vehicle dangerously swerved to cut off participants. In the other half, it knew when to stay within its lane. The bumper stickers displayed varied messages: neutral statements like “I love my dog,” and political identifiers such as “Proud Republican” or “Proud Democrat.” After each simulation, participants indicated how likely they would be to honk in reaction to these situations on a 1 (not at all likely) to 5 (very likely) scale.
The purpose of this research was to more deeply explore whether car culture in America has evolved into a more politicized version. Rachel Suzanne Torres, one of the researchers behind the study, shared her experience in the field.
“So we wanted to ask: Has American car culture been politicized? Has it become more partisan?” – Rachel Suzanne Torres
Our findings show an undeniable direct correlation between bumper stickers and escalated road rage. This means that political messages can really go with the people on the roadway. Torres went on to explain the importance of bumper stickers in showing how state/partisan divides can easily happen.
Implications for Road Safety
The purpose of political bumper stickers is much more than aesthetic appeal. As the research in this study shows, these symbols can have real, concrete effects on roadway safety. Torres continued, explaining that partisan bumper stickers might be boring to some but it’s not banal.
“They have tangible impacts on road safety. Partisan bumper stickers may be mundane, but they are not trivial,” – Rachel Suzanne Torres et al.
Ballew & Marlon’s study found no positive effects in terms of how people perceived in-group or out-group members. This leads to two crucial questions regarding the possible impacts of using political iconography while operating a vehicle.
This significant finding indicates that deeper seeded conflicts rooted in partisan identities play out—not just in political spaces—but in daily encounters like driving.
“These feelings are just below the surface for many people.” – Rachel Suzanne Torres
The confluence of car ownership and who we are is one of the most recognizable features of American culture. Torres said he understood that for so many people their cars are an extension of who they are and their political ideology.
Cultural Context of American Car Ownership
This quote embodies just how much hyperpartisanship has seeped into our very daily lives—even in something as innocuous as driving. Political identity When we stick on that partisan bumper sticker, we’re signaling a different aspect of self—our party—and how we discriminate the outgroup. They buttress and politicize these identities into our everyday experiences.
“We have a unique car culture in the United States. American identity is often tied to owning a car and how you choose to decorate it,” – Rachel Suzanne Torres
This sentiment reflects how deeply ingrained political affiliations can influence even mundane activities like driving. The presence of partisan bumper stickers may serve as a reflection of one’s beliefs and affiliations, further embedding these identities into daily life.