With the amount of time people spend on the roads in North Carolina, it is natural to feel a myriad of emotions while behind the wheel. These emotions can affect driving behaviors and subsequently put other lives in danger.
At least 80% of American drivers admit that they have felt angry while driving at least once within the last year, according to AAA. More than 56% of deadly car accidents in the U.S. involved at least one form of aggressive driving behavior, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What are the signs of road rage?
Aggressive driving is often easy to spot. According to the Insurance Information Institute, motorists should be on the lookout for the following hazardous behaviors:
- Changing lanes erratically
- Cutting off other vehicles or blocking them from changing lanes
- Following too close or tailgating
- Racing other vehicles or speeding
- Honking the horn excessively, yelling or using hand gestures
- Failing to yield to traffic signals, stop signs, crosswalks or other drivers’ right of way
Motorists with road rage may drive up on the shoulder of the road. They may intentionally hit other vehicles or threaten physical harm to others on the road.
What is the preferred course of action?
While some motorists may feel inclined to react to enraged drivers by yelling back or also participating in dangerous driving behaviors, it is critical that they do not. Law enforcement officers encourage drivers to alert police if they spot an aggressive motorist.
Drivers who feel as though they are becoming angry while behind the wheel should attempt to calm down by taking deep breaths, listening to slow music or even pulling over to regain their composure.
