What Is Road Rage?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines road rage as “criminal act[s] of violence,” a product of aggressive driving, like tailgating, speeding, and running red lights. NHTSA credits aggressive driving with 2/3 of all driving-related fatalities. The rate of road rage incidents has risen by 51 percent since 1990, increasing by 7% every year. 37 percent of offenders used firearms against other drivers. 35 percent used their cars.
Road rage is widespread throughout the United States and common in other countries as well. Half of all traffic accidents in Australia are related to road rage. 21% of drivers in company cars in the UK have been run off the road. 18% have been attacked by another driver. Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia consider road rage a bigger concern than drunk driving. Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have police units that focus on identifying driver rage on the road. As USC’s Media and Injury Prevention Program reports, “Aggressive driving is now the most common way of driving. It’s not just a few crazies–it’s a subculture of driving.”
Common Signs of Road Rage
- Speeding: When you see a driver who is clearly ignoring the speed limit you should consider that he might they might be experiencing road rage. It’s best to stay away from crazy drivers like this.
- Flipping You Off: This or other hand gestures can be a common sign of an upset driver.
- Tailgating: When a driver comes right up to your car and start’s to tailgate you, this is a sign of road rage.
- Yelling At You: If a driver is yelling at you it becomes clear that they are no longer in control of the moment.
- Hoking Their Horn: This is another clear and loud example. You may see drivers continually honking their horn.
- Weaving Throughout Traffic: Changing lanes and weaving throughout traffic is a common sign of road rage.
- Physically Attacking Your Car or You: This is no doubt the scariest form of road rage when a person becomes physical either against you or your vehicle.
- Sudden Braking: If a driver is aggressive and get’s in front of you it’s best to give them some space. Sudden braking is dangerous and can lead to accidents.
There are many different types of road rage, but it’s just as important to know how to avoid it altogether whether you’re the one causing it or a victim.
Tips For Avoiding Road Rage
• Get some sleep, and play calming music in the car. Every car ride should not be a distracted, worried, stressed out journey.
• Breathe. If you find yourself gripping the steering wheel too hard, make a conscious effort to relax. Let it go.
• Plan ahead! Don’t let time constraints contribute to your frustration behind the wheel.
Remember, the road is not about you.
• Navigating the road is a cooperative activity. If you’re aggressive, aggressiveness is what you’ll get back.
• Other drivers are people, too. The driver speeding next to you could be your neighbor. The car in front of you could have a baby in its backseat. The road all too frequently becomes impersonal, and rage that much more justified.
What To Do If You See A Driver With Road Rage
• Avoid eye contact. The same goes for hand gestures and verbal insults (especially if your window is open). Don’t let the situation escalate.
• Don’t tailgate. It’s not worth it. The two extra minutes gained carries with it the risk of weeks in the hospital, if not worse.
• The horn is not your best friend. A polite tap can be interpreted by drivers in front of you as an obnoxious bullhorn.
• Don’t block the passing lane, or the right turn lane, and be wary of changing lines too aggressively. Always signal.
• It is not your job to teach others how to drive. Whether too fast or too slow, the habits of other drivers will not change when confronted with your flashing headlights or aggressive hand signals.
• It is your job, however, to report aggressive (and other dangerous forms of) driving. Call 911 if the driver in front of you is yelling into the car in the next lane. He may not be trying to sideswipe you, but you could save another life with a three-second phone call.
This is not about defensive driving. It’s about supportive driving, and that distinction could make all the difference.
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/garyturner/2931478/
Rivka Fogel writes about safety for the road sign retailer SmartSign.com. One of its sister sites, MyParkingSign.com, hosts a campaign to decrease texting and driving. You can learn more about their safety efforts, on the road and off, at the SmartSign blog and its accompanying web blog, ParkingSigns.net.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.