The Department of Psychology at Colorado State University once published a report that suggests people who affix bumper stickers to their cars are more likely to be aggressive drivers and suffer from road rage. Personalization of the vehicle – favorite sports team seat covers, vanity plates, even window decals representing each family member – was associated with excessive honking, blocking of traffic, and tailgating (not the kind in stadium parking lots). “Drivers with at least one marker in or on their car were 15 percent more likely to retaliate when they felt their territory had been threatened,” said the study. My kid is an honor student and back the f*%* off sort of thing.
The month of August is a popular time for pre-election political bumper sticker sales. Leading up to the 2012 congressional campaigns, 15% of liberal-leaning stickers eschewed the anti-negativity route and declared mobile opposition to what they consider undesirable candidates, Ohio rep Mike Turner in particular. About 85% were supportive of their candidates – Massachusetts Senate contender Elizabeth Warren ranking high for sticker raves. If you fill out a form on her website, she’ll send you one for free.