If you are like most drivers, you consider aggressive driving to be a dangerous and threatening behavior. According to Forbes, an AAA survey found that about 80% of all drivers engaged in some form of road rage within a year.
Road rage may start as small stresses and minor frustrations but then bloom into dangerous aggression. Men and younger drivers under the age of 39 are the most likely to become aggressive while on the road.
Aggressive driving defined
Nowadays, more people are on the road than ever before. This has led to an increase in rude and reckless driving behavior. When behind the wheel, some drivers feel a sense of anonymity. If you are on the road with someone experiencing road rage, he or she may feel less constrained because of the anonymity.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, aggressive driving intentionally endangers others through a variety of traffic offenses.
Aggressive behaviors explained
Those who experience road rage may tailgate you, pass in prohibited areas or change lanes erratically. You may notice sudden changes in driving behavior, such as reckless or erratic speed changes. Other behaviors may include:
- Driving on medians, shoulders or sidewalks
- Refusal to yield right of way
- Failure to signal a turn
- Refusal to obey traffic safety laws
Most of these behaviors also contribute to fatal accidents in the U.S. Speeding contributes to one-third of all fatalities. Aggressive drivers may speed because they feel like the other drivers are forcing them to slow down or stop. They may switch lanes and grow angry with you and other slow-moving vehicles around you.
