Fida Insurance Group notes that aggressive driving is a serious problem that results in accidents and deaths. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that aggressive driving causes 66% of fatalities. Aggressive driving is a violation of traffic rules. When aggressive driving gets out of control, it is “road rage,” which is a criminal offense.
In road rage incidents, 37% of the time a firearm is involved. Young men under nineteen years-old are the most likely ones to show road rage. About half of drivers who experience aggressive attacks from other drivers, such as rude gestures, showing a weapon, tailgating, and honking of a horn, respond with aggression as well, including attempts to run a vehicle off the road. This only escalates, what is already a bad situation.
Avoiding the Problem in the First Place
Aggressive-driving behavior creates an aggressive response. Additionally, many drivers seem oblivious about their effect on other drivers. Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on a cell phone, is illegal in most parts of the country. It is one of the causes of aggressive responses from other drivers.
Other things that trigger a road rage response include, not signaling when changing lanes, following too closely, cutting people off in traffic by not checking the blind spot for another vehicle, and leaving high-beam headlights on at night that blinds oncoming traffic as well as shines too brightly on the vehicles ahead.
By avoiding these offensive behaviors, there is a reduced likelihood of experiencing road rage.
Keeping Cool
If road rage occurs, stay calm. Do not respond with aggressive tactics. Hopefully, the other driver will simply go on their way after a short outburst of aggression. Do not try to chase them or get even. Do not honk the horn or make rude gestures and avoid eye contact with the other driver. If it is safe to do so, exit the highway or make a turn and let the other driver go away.
Contact the agents of Fida Insurance Group for all your insurance needs and keep your cool to avoid problems with road rage.
