If you have experienced frustration, anxiety and rage while driving in Pennsylvania, you are certainly not alone. AAA reports that more than 80% of adult motorists in the nation admit to having aggression while driving. This frustration can lead to road rage and aggressive driving behaviors, which can endanger the lives of others.
Approximately 56% of deadly car accidents involve at least one type of aggressive driving behavior, such as speeding. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly one-third of car accident fatalities involve speeding. In 2017 alone 8,856 people died in speeding accidents.
Signs of road rage
Spotting the signs of road rage is not difficult, especially if you are stuck in traffic. According to the Insurance Information Institute, aggressive driving behaviors include the following:
- Honking the horn excessively, yelling obscenities or displaying hand gestures
- Speeding or racing other cars
- Tailgating or riding too closely behind another vehicle
- Failing to yield to stoplights, street signs, pedestrian crosswalks or other drivers’ right of way
- Blocking other drivers from changing lanes
- Cutting off other drivers
Road rage may escalate to the point where drivers leave their vehicle to confront other motorists with the intent to cause physical harm. Drivers may also bump or ram other vehicles with their cars or trucks.
Alerting the authorities
When confronted with a drunk driver, you may feel defensive and attempt to handle the issue on your own. However, law enforcement officers urge drivers to avoid doing so. Avoid making eye contact, yelling back or racing with drivers who are driving aggressively. Instead, alert law enforcement of the issue and allow them to handle it safely.
