Road Rage On The Rise Across The U.S.

We've all experienced it. You're sitting in traffic after a long day at work, someone cuts you off, and you immediately feel compelled to express your displeasure with the offending driver in the most effective way possible. This condition is known simply as "road rage," and while there is no known cure, a new study shows that drivers across the United States are getting more and more aggressive when it comes to losing their cool behind the wheel.

A new study shows that 80 percent of drivers on the road in the U.S. have exhibited "anger, aggression, or road rage" at least once in the last year. These actions range from giving someone a nasty glare, to intentionally tailgating or cutting off another driver. And AAA says that many drivers are becoming more and more aggressive.

"Inconsiderate driving, bad traffic and the daily stresses of life can transform minor frustrations into dangerous road rage," said Jurek Grabowski, director of Research for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "Far too many drivers are losing themselves in the heat of the moment and lashing out in ways that could turn deadly."

The study found that the most common forms of road rage were purposefully tailgating (104 million drivers), yelling at other drivers (95 million drivers), honking (91 million drivers), making angry gestures (67 million drivers) and blocking another vehicle from changing lanes (49 million drivers). Disturbingly, this study also found that a growing number of drivers are engaging in more dangerous forms of road rage.

It shows that 24 million drivers have cut off another vehicle 7.6 million drivers will get out of their vehicle to confront someone, and 5.7 million drivers have bumped another driver's car on purpose.

To avoid any potential confrontations, AAA suggests not offending other drivers by forcing them change speed or directions, do not make eye contact or gesture in retaliation, and try to be tolerant and let things go when behind the wheel.

"It’s completely normal for drivers to experience anger behind the wheel, but we must not let our emotions lead to destructive choices," said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research. "Don’t risk escalating a frustrating situation because you never know what the other driver might do. Maintain a cool head, and focus on reaching your destination safely."

NAFA Fleet Management Association
http://www.nafa.org/