Studies have shown that a shocking number of drivers have engaged in road rage behaviors, which has caused numerous car accidents. According to a study by AAA, the most common factors that cause road rage include distracted drivers, traffic backups, and even slow traffic lights. Although these might seem like ridiculous reasons to get angry or frustrated behind the wheel, road rage is more common and even more violent than one might think.
Another shocking fact discovered by AAA is that more than half of traffic fatalities are caused by road rage. One statistic actually shows that 8 out of 10 drivers in the United States have admitted to road rage at least once in a 12-month period.
Some of the common aggressive behaviors that many drivers engage in behind the wheel include:
- Tailgating. The majority of drivers will agree that they dislike when other drivers tailgate. Interestingly, when the roles are reversed, those same drivers also admit that they have purposely tailgated other drivers when they appear to be driving too slowly.
- Yelling at other drivers. The majority of drivers will also admit that they have yelled or screamed at other drivers at least once while on the road. The most common reasons for yelling at other drivers include driving too slowly, not signaling before making a turn, changing lanes or cutting off another vehicle.
- Angry honking. This is probably one of the most common ways to express frustration or anger while on the road. Although the horn in a vehicle was designed to be used for safely alerting other drivers that a vehicle is nearby, it has evolved and become used to express aggression or anger. Angry honking and yelling at other drivers typically go hand in hand.
- Angry gestures. In addition to yelling, screaming, and honking, many drivers will also use angry gestures, such as angrily throwing up the hands or even giving another driver “the finger” or other lewd gestures.
Many drivers have taken road rage to a whole new level by purposely cutting off another vehicle, speeding up and blocking other drivers, passing drivers at dangerous speeds or even bumping other drivers. All of these angry and aggressive behaviors are extremely likely to cause accidents. Drivers who are the most likely to engage in road rage are men between the ages of 19 and 39, but it is not unheard of for women or even elderly drivers to succumb to a fit of road rage.
How to Avoid Road Rage
The best way to avoid road rage is to ignore other drivers’ behavior and don’t engage in it. Even if another driver almost causes an accident or is driving recklessly or carelessly, the best thing you can do is to ignore it and continue on your way while safely avoiding the other driver if possible.
Try to avoid making eye contact with the other driver, refrain from making gestures, and maintain space between your vehicle and the other driver. Pull over and let the other driver pass if you need to. Remember, getting angry while on the road is not worth the energy and it’s certainly not worth an accident.
In more severe cases, if a driver is trying to bump or ram your vehicle or even trying to run you off the road, call the police or 911 immediately. This kind of behavior can be considered assault and may result in criminal charges made against the other driver.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If you were involved in an accident with another driver, and you believe that he or she was engaging in road rage at the time of the accident or if you believe that road rage caused the accident in some way, then speak with an experienced car accident attorney.
Contact Attorney Kohm today for a free consultation.
