Road rage is a dangerous condition in which drivers become so angry or frustrated behind the wheel that they engage in risky or violent behavior.
Have you ever felt like you could strangle the driver next to you? You’re not alone. According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 80% of drivers have experienced road rage at least once in their lifetime.
As drivers, we need to do our part to ensure optimal road safety. One way we can do this is by learning more about road rage.
Habits of Angry Drivers
Here are some common driving behaviors that are byproducts of road rage:
Speeding
When you’re stuck behind someone going slow in the left lane, it can be tempting to just slam the gas and blow past them, but that’s exactly the kind of thinking that fuels road rage speeding.
Speeding gives you less time to react if the driver in front of you stops suddenly, increasing the risk of an accident for everyone involved.
Think about it this way: the time you save by speeding is minimal compared to the risk of getting a ticket, causing an accident, or worse.
Also, if you get into an accident while speeding, your insurance coverage might be affected. Next time you feel the urge to speed due to road rage, take a deep breath and remember, it’s not worth the risk.
Tailgating
Tailgating is like poking a beehive with your car. It might seem like a way to pressure the driver in front of you to go faster, but it actually creates a dangerous situation. If they slam on the brakes suddenly, you won’t have enough time to react, and a fender-bender (or worse) is almost guaranteed.
Not to mention, tailgating is just plain rude and can further aggravate the situation.
Swerving
Angry vehicle drivers or riders often start weaving in and out of traffic like maniacs. That’s swerving, a dangerous byproduct of road rage. Swerving might seem like a way to vent your anger or get around slow drivers, but it’s a gamble with serious consequences.
You could lose control, sideswipe another car, or swerve into oncoming traffic. Not to mention, it’s unpredictable and terrifying for other drivers on the road. If you feel the urge to swerve, take a deep breath and find a safe place to pull over and cool down.
Cutting Off Other Drivers
If someone cuts you off earlier, the urge to return the favor will be strong. But you have to remember that cutting off another driver is simply not the answer. This aggressive maneuver can cause an accident if the other driver doesn’t have time to react.
Getting into a fender-bender because you were angry won’t solve anything. It’ll just create more frustration and hassle for everyone involved. Two wrongs don’t make a right. If someone cuts you off, stay calm, maintain your lane, and let it go.
Yelling or Making Obscene Gestures
There’s nothing more annoying than being behind or beside a driver who’s doing everything wrong. While it’s tempting to yell or make obscene gestures to express your frustration, you should remember that this behavior can actually escalate the situation.
The other driver might respond in anger, leading to road rage and potentially an accident. Plus, yelling and gesturing just isn’t a good look on anyone.
Wrapping Up
If you see another driver engaging in road rage behavior, the best thing to do is to avoid them. Don’t make eye contact, don’t honk your horn, and don’t try to engage with them in any way. Just let them go and continue on your way.