Road Rage is on the Rise!
Have you ever been tailgated or yelled at by another driver? Or maybe you have had the impulse to lash out at a driver who has cut you off or won’t let you pass. It’s time for Americans to slow down, take a deep breath and show some much needed compassion to their fellow drivers.
Hopefully, this article will help you know what to do if you are a victim of road rage or if you need tips on how to control anger while on the road.
- A new study by from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that Nearly 8 of 10 drivers demonstrated significant anger, aggression or road rage in the past year. That means the majority of drivers out there are ready for combat, even doing crazy things like intentionally ramming another car that is in their way.
Men between the ages of 19-39 are especially prone to road rage, especially those who tend to speed and run red lights. Drivers in the Northeast are much more likely to demonstrate their aggression by yelling, honking and gesturing. I guess the South gets a few points in their favor for being more polite on the road.
Road rage is involved in more than half of all car wreck deaths and even more injuries are the result of road rage. Fortunately, there are some things you can do avoid being a victim of road rage or being the angry driver behind the wheel. Don’t get hurt, injured or killed because of Road Rage!
Here are some tips from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety:
#1 – Don’t Offend
Don’t cut other drivers off while you’re merging.
Use your blinker to indicate your intentions.
Don’t drive slowly in the left lane.
Don’t tailgate.
#2 – No Gestures (even “harmless” ones like shaking your head)
Use your horn rarely, if ever.
Allow others to take that parking space if you arrive at the same time.
#3 – Don’t Engage
Steer clear of angry drivers
Avoid eye contact
#4 – Adjust your attitude
Allow more time for your trip, so you’re not racing against the clock
Don’t take other driver’s actions personally
Get help if you need it (anger management classes)
“Are you an aggressive driver?” survey from AAA is linked HERE
For additional information click HERE for a Road Rage Brochure from AAA.
If you have been victimized or injured by Road Rage, Call a Lawyer Fast, the statute of limitations may be different in road rage incidents from ordinary car wrecks. This is because of the potentially intentional nature of incidents involving road rage.
