Why Road Rage Makes Driving Dangerous for Everyone

Posted On August 8, 2016 In Local Car Accidents

Most of us have encountered other drivers that made our blood boil. Perhaps they cut us off, slammed on their brakes or performed maneuvers that put other people in danger. Road rage is a common aspect of driving in the U.S., but it is also a major cause of car accidents. The next time you want to honk your horn or tailgate the annoying driver in front of you, remember this blog.

A recent study published by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has discovered 80 percent of Americans have engaged in “significant anger, aggression or road rage” at least once during the last year. Drivers experiencing these feelings tailgated motorists, honked their horns, flipped off other drivers and yelled (an estimated 266 million people). In the most extreme cases, people have gotten out of their cars to confront other drivers or intentionally rammed other vehicles (an estimated 13.3 million people).

Road rage can also cause car accidents. According to AAA, road rage is responsible for 56 percent of all fatal car crashes. Some drivers who give into road rage might race each other, ignore signs or traffic lights and drive much faster than the speed limit. In other words, angry drivers are not only putting themselves in danger, but other people as well.

AAA’s study also asked drivers what types of behaviors were most likely to cause road rage. The results are consistent. Drivers who participated in the study were most upset by being cut off, tailgated or getting stuck behind slow drivers in the left lane (also called the fast lane).

Want to Avoid Being Victimized by Road Rage? These Tips Might Help

AAA provided helpful tips drivers can utilize to avoid road rage.

Be careful when merging or changing lanes: Give people plenty of room when merging or changing lanes and always use your turn signal. In the event you accidentally cut someone off, be sure to signal an apologetic gesture.

Be courteous when driving in the left lane: If you are driving in the left lane and someone signals that they want to pass, move over to the right lane. AAA warns that even if you are driving the speed limit, drivers behind you can still become angered. Always obey signs that warn the left lane is for passing only.

Never tailgate other drivers: Tailgating puts you and the other driver at risk. Always provide yourself with several seconds of stopping room in case the driver in front of you does something unexpected. Tailgating is also likely to anger other drivers.

Avoid offensive hand gestures: It goes without saying, offensive hand gestures are only likely to anger other drivers and enflame a road rage situation.

Don’t engage angry drivers: If another driver becomes aggressive, don’t become angry in return. Be prepared to pull over and call 9-1-1 if need be.

The Texas personal injury attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC, encourage you to drive safely this summer.