Road rage is more common than you might think. In fact, there is a good chance you have experienced road rage at some point within the last year. According to AAA, more than 80% of American drivers agree that they have felt enraged while behind the wheel.
The dangers of road rage are apparent. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly 56% of car accident fatalities involved at least one form of aggressive driving, with speeding being the most common. It is important to know what road rage is so you can minimize the risk of a car accident, injury or death.
Knowing what to look for
Aggressive driving can take the form of many dangerous driving behaviors, including the following:
- Tailgating or driving too closely behind another vehicle
- Speeding or racing another vehicle
- Failing to yield to traffic signals, stop signs, pedestrian crosswalks or other drivers’ right of way
- Honking excessively, yelling or displaying inappropriate hand gestures
- Switching lanes erratically
- Blocking other drivers from changing lanes or cutting off other drivers
Drivers may become so angry that they attempt to start a physical altercation with another driver. They can hit another car or exit their vehicle to approach someone else.
Knowing what to do
If you should come across another driver who is displaying aggressive driving behaviors, law enforcement officers warn to not get involved. Avoid making eye contact, yelling back or following the vehicle. Instead, alert law enforcement to the problem so they can take of it in a safe way. You just may save a life by doing so.
