Aggressive driving can lead to serious accidents in California and across the nation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 8,856 motorists lost their lives in car accidents involving speeding in 2017. In fact speeding or racing was the number one driving behavior responsible for deadly car accidents in 2018.
AAA reports that at least 80% of Americans admit to having road rage or driving aggressively at least one within the past year. Furthermore, nine out of 10 drivers believe that road rage is a serious problem and threatens their safety on the road. It is critical to understand these driving behaviors to minimize the occurrence of serious collisions.
What are the signs of road rage?
Angry and aggressive driving behaviors pose a threat to others on the road. These behaviors include the following:
- Blocking other vehicles from changing lanes
- Cutting off other vehicles
- Honking the horn excessively and yelling obscenities
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Failing to yield to traffic lights, pedestrians or other drivers’ right of way
- Speeding through traffic lights
Extreme cases of road rage involve drivers exiting their vehicles and confronting other motorists. In some instances, angry drivers have an intent to harm or hit into other vehicles.
What should you do?
If you become involved with an aggressive driver, you may try to take matters into your own hands. However, law enforcement recommends you avoid getting involved and alert an officer to the matter. Try to avoid eye contact with the angry driver and avoid exchanging words, as it could make matters worse. Alerting officers could prevent a fatal accident.
