As a New Jersey motorist, you know first hand the challenges of navigating through traffic. It can ignite feelings of anger, anxiety and aggravation in some cases. This is not uncommon among motorists throughout the nation.
According to AAA, more than 80% of drivers in the U.S. have felt road rage within the past year. The dangers come when people who experience road rage also exhibit hazardous driving behaviors. These behaviors are involved in many fatal car accidents. For example, 16.7% of deadly motor vehicle accidents involved speeding or racing, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What are the signs?
If you are able to identify the signs of road rage, you may be able to minimize the risk that comes with dangerous driving habits. The Insurance Information Institute reports the following signs of aggressive driving:
- Excessive lane changing
- Blocking cars and/or cutting them off
- Failure to yield to other drivers’ right of way
- Failure to adhere to traffic signals, signs and pedestrian crosswalks
- Speeding or racing other vehicles
- Tailgating or driving too closely to another vehicle
People who have road rage often yell, honk excessively and use obscene hand gestures. In some serious cases, angry drivers may leave their vehicles and approach other drivers with the intent to start a physical altercation.
What should you do?
If you are having feelings of road rage, take deep breaths, listen to relaxing music and try to calm down. If you see another motorist engaged in aggressive driving behaviors, contact law enforcement. Officials suggest you do not try to approach the driver yourself, as it may complicate matters.
