If you are like many other drivers, you may get frustrated when stuck in traffic or struggling to get to work on time. Your anger may settle anywhere from mild to infuriated and may rise from slightly frustrated to enraged in a matter of minutes. Problems occur, however, when angry motorists engage in dangerous driving habits that threaten other motorists and people on the road. Road rage is a serious problem in the United States, as the National Safety Council reports one in three people admit to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors. It is crucial that you are on the lookout for these behaviors, so you can keep yourself safe on the road and possibly avoid becoming the victim of a car accident.
According to the NSC, some common aggressive driving behaviors include the following:
- Speeding and weaving between vehicles
- Tailgating or driving too closely behind another car
- Excessive horn honking
- Using profanities or obscene hand gestures
- Failing to yield to other drivers’ right of way
- Running stop lights and failing to obey traffic signs
In some cases, drivers with road rage may become so irritated that they exit their vehicle and actually approach another driver. It is important to avoid interacting with road raged drivers, as it may escalate the situation and cause further problems. If you encounter an aggressive driver, you should contact law enforcement and alert them to the situation. It may be able to prevent an accident from occurring.
This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.
