Agressive Driving and Road Rage

Aggressive Driving and Road Rage

Aggressive driving poses a significant threat to the safety of all road users. A survey conducted by the AAA Foundation revealed that nearly 9 in 10 respondents considered aggressive drivers to be a serious threat to their personal safety. Moreover, a substantial number of drivers admitted to engaging in potentially aggressive behaviors, such as speeding more than 15 mph above the limit or running red lights. According to a Foundation study, deliberate and unsafe driving actions, performed with ill intention or disregard for safety, can lead to aggressive driving and contribute to up to 56% of fatal crashes. Dr. Deryk Harting of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated auto injury medical care programs in Florida, discusses aggressive driving and road rage.

How common are aggressive driving behaviors?

According to estimates by the AAA Foundation’s Annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, millions of drivers engaged in the following behaviors in the 30 days preceding the survey:

• Aggressive driving by switching lanes quickly/or very close behind another car:  26 percent (57 million drivers).
• Made rude gestures or honked at other drivers: 32 percent (71 million drivers).
• Driven 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway: 48 percent (106 million drivers).
• Driven through a red light: 31 percent (68 million drivers).
• Passed in front of a vehicle at less than a car length: 22 percent (49 million drivers).
• Speeded up when another vehicle tried to overtake you: 25 percent (55 million drivers).
• Followed vehicle in front of you closely to prevent another vehicle from merging in front of you: 34 percent (75 million drivers).
• Merged into traffic even when another driver tries to close the gap between vehicles: 28 percent (62 million drivers).

In extreme cases, aggressive driving may escalate to road rage, involving violent criminal acts and intent to cause physical harm. A separate AAA Foundation study on road rage incidents spanning 7 years found at least 218 murders and 12,610 injury cases resulting from such incidents. Trivial reasons often triggered these acts of violence, such as being cut off or tailgated.

To address the issue of aggressive driving, AAA suggests 3 guiding principles:

1. Don’t offend:

• Avoid cutting off other drivers and use turn signals when merging.
• Move to the right lane if driving slowly in the left lane to allow faster drivers to pass.
• Maintain a safe following distance to prevent tailgating.
• Refrain from making offensive gestures, keeping hands on the wheel to promote courtesy.

2. Don’t engage:

• Refuse to become angry at aggressive drivers to protect oneself from escalating conflicts.
• Steer clear of angry drivers and give them ample space to avoid potential dangers.
• Avoid eye contact, as it can escalate a situation, and seek help if needed.

3. Adjust your attitude:

• Forget the mindset of winning on the road and instead allow more time for your trip to reduce stress.
• Put yourself in the other driver’s shoes, considering potential reasons for their behavior.
• If you believe you have anger issues while driving, consider seeking help through anger management courses or self-help resources on stress reduction.

If you are unable to avoid confrontation with other drivers, AAA has the following recommendations:

• Do not respond to aggression with aggression.
• If you feel you are at risk, drive to a public place such as a police station, hospital, or fire station.
• When you park, allow room so you can pull out safely if someone approaches you aggressively.
• Use your horn to attract attention but remain in your locked vehicle.
• Stay as calm and courteous as possible.
• If you feel threatened, call 911.

Changing one’s approach to driving and adopting a more relaxed attitude can contribute to a safer and more pleasant driving experience. The emphasis is on understanding and avoiding actions that may provoke or escalate aggressive behaviors on the road. Additionally, seeking professional help for anger management can lead to positive changes in attitude and behavior, contributing to overall road safety.

— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.

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