Losing your temper while behind the wheel is often a right of passage. It is often hard to keep your cool while stuck in traffic, especially if you are rushing to a meeting or appointment. If you have ever found yourself in such a situation, you are not alone. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, at least 80% of drivers admit to driving in an aggressive fashion at some point within the past year. The problem lies in the fact that more than 56% of auto accident fatalities involved aggressive driving behaviors. Not only is it important to avoid engaging in these behaviors, but you should also be on the lookout for other people who are driving aggressively and report them if necessary.
Aggressive driving behaviors may include any of the following:
Tailgating or following too closely behind another vehicle
- Passing and/or swerving in and out of lanes between other vehicles
- Failing to yield to other vehicles’ right of way
- Failing to signal, obey traffic signs or adhere to traffic signals
- Speeding or racing other vehicles
- Excessive use of horn
Drivers may become enraged and start using obscene gestures or yell out obscenities at other motorists. Some drivers may take it a step further and actually threaten other motorists with physical harm.
If you happen to spot an aggressive driver, it is important to avoid making eye contact or engaging with them. You may want to alert your local law enforcement department to minimize the chances of a car accident.