Aggressive Driving or Road Rage

According to the experts at the American Automobile Association (AAA), “nearly 80 percent of drivers demonstrate aggressive behaviors when behind the wheel.” Stress is the driving force behind that statistic, which AAA reports has been fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In AAA terms …

• Aggressive driving is “any unsafe driving behavior, performed deliberately and with ill intention or disregard for safety: speeding in heavy traffic; running red lights; tailgating; cutting in front of another driver and then deliberately slowing down; changing lanes without signaling; weaving in and out of traffic; blocking cars attempting to pass or change lanes; and using headlights or brakes to ‘punish’ other drivers.
• And ‘extreme’ aggressive driving can escalate to Road Rage, i.e. ramming; sideswiping; forcing a driver off the road; cursing and rude/obscene gestures; and throwing objects.”

AAA Guidance

Remember what you learned in Driver’s Ed class and Safe Driving 101. “Follow the rules of the road.” Don’t speed; use turn signals; keep safe/adequate following distance; use high beams only when necessary; let other drivers merge; No hand gestures and No long horn blasts. Be considerate, stay calm, and drive as if all of your loved ones were in the car with you. “And always remember: be tolerant and forgiving; don’t offend; don’t respond i.e. avoid eye contact and don’t make gestures; contact 9-1-1 if needed.”

For more information, visit AAA.com/PreventRoadRage.