Aggressive driving is a serious problem on the roads of Indiana and throughout the United States. According to AAA, road rage is involved in more than half of all motor vehicle accident deaths in the U.S. Whether people are angry from sitting in traffic or are late to an important meeting, motorists who drive in a reckless and negligent manner put other peoples’ lives in danger. All motorists should be aware of the signs of road rage so that they may be able to avoid becoming the victim of a catastrophic car accident.
The Insurance Information Institute names certain signs of aggressive driving that motorists should be on the lookout for. These dangerous driving behaviors include the following:
- Changing lanes erratically.
- Tail-gating or following too closely.
- Excessive honking, inappropriate name calling or gestures.
- Speeding or racing.
- Failure to use turn signals.
- Failure to stop at traffic lights, stop signs or pedestrian walks.
People who do come into contact with an aggressive driver should avoid interacting with the motorist. Motorists should be careful not to return inappropriate gestures or participate in name calling. Instead, drivers should stay out of the aggressive driver’s path and avoid eye contact altogether. Drivers are also encouraged to notify law enforcement immediately, which may save others from becoming injured or killed by the aggressive driver.
When people begin to feel angry or emotional while driving, they should take a deep breath and even pull off the road if necessary. It is easy to become frustrated on the road; however, if drivers keep calm and remain under control, they can avoid any unnecessary accidents.