ROAD RAGE RISKS

The U.S. Department of Transportation and traffic safety researchers have identified aggressive driving behavior as a leading contributor to serious crashes. Behaviors such as speeding, running red lights and improper lane changes are associated with about two-thirds of traffic fatalities and a significant share of serious injury crashes.

 

Studies by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety show that a high proportion of drivers admit to engaging in at least one aggressive driving behavior — such as tailgating, yelling at another driver or making angry gestures — in the past year. Nearly 80% of drivers reported expressing anger, aggression or road-rage behaviors while driving.

Even though there are currently fewer vehicles on the road in some areas, many drivers are exhibiting riskier behaviors. If you have employees who spend significant time behind the wheel, they may be at risk of becoming aggressive drivers or victims of aggressive driving by others.

CAUSES

Clogged intersections, tight schedules, and having no way out of a traffic jam can turn irritation into anger and, in some cases, physical violence. Certain behaviors by other drivers may trigger aggressive responses, including:

• Tailgating, cutting off other vehicles, failing to yield, or driving significantly faster or slower than surrounding traffic.

• Distracted driving, such as eating or using a cell phone while driving.

• Taking or “stealing” a desirable parking space.

• Traveling in the passing lane at a speed slower than the flow of traffic.

Psychological factors also play a role. Drivers have no way of knowing what others are experiencing. Someone may be driving home from a funeral, heading to a court appearance, or dealing with a stressful personal situation.

SOME SOLUTIONS

You and your driving employees can reduce the risk of becoming victims of aggressive driving by following these guidelines:

• Allow enough time for each trip to reduce stress and pressure.

• Do not cut off other drivers. Use turn signals to clearly communicate your intentions.

• Move over and allow faster traffic to pass when traveling in the left lane.

• Avoid tailgating. Maintain at least a two-second following distance behind the vehicle ahead.

• Do not make obscene gestures or engage in confrontations.

• Give aggressive drivers plenty of space and steer clear of them whenever possible.

• Avoid eye contact with aggressive drivers.

• Do not respond to challenges from aggressive drivers, and do not allow yourself to become one.

Finally, remember that patience and compassion matter. Remaining calm and courteous—even when others are in the wrong—can help prevent dangerous situations and make the road safer for everyone.

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

Motor Vehicle Safety: Aggressive Driving

https://www.osha.gov/motor-vehicle-safety/aggressive-driving

NHTSA: Speeding and Agressive Driving

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding