It is not unusual for drivers to encounter angry motorists while traveling home from work or running errands. According to AAA, more than 80% of drivers in America agree that they have at some point within the last year, driven while upset or angry.
Although it is common, the hazardous driving behaviors that accompany angry driving puts other’s lives at risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 56% of all fatal car accidents involved some type of aggressive driving.
What does road rage look like?
When drivers become angry, impatient and frustrated while on the road, it can affect the way they drive around other motorists. People should be on the lookout for the following signs of an aggressive driver:
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Speeding and changing lanes excessively
- Blocking other cars from changing lanes or cutting off other cars
- Failing to obey traffic signs and signals
- Yelling and using obscene hand gestures
- Honking the horn excessively
In some extreme situations, enraged drivers may become so furious that they hit into other vehicles, intentionally causing an accident. Angry motorists may exit their vehicles and approach other cars with the intent to harm another person as well.
How to handle the situation
Rather than engage with the angry driver by racing them, following them or exchanging words, drivers should avoid contact with the angry motorist. This may only make the situation worse. Instead, officers recommend motorists contact law enforcement to tell them the location of the situation. Not only can they potentially save a life by doing so, drivers can minimize the risk of becoming involved in a deadly accident.
