Motorists in Georgia and throughout the country may get angry while navigating through traffic. In fact, more than 80% of American motorists agree that they too have felt anger while driving at some point within the past year, according to AAA.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 56% of all deadly motor vehicle accidents involved some type of aggressive driving behaviors, including speeding. By knowing how to spot the signs of an aggressive driver, you can help to minimize your risk of becoming involved in a catastrophic accident.
What are aggressive driving behaviors?
It is one thing to become angry while driving, but when motorists endanger other peoples’ lives by engaging in dangerous behaviors, it takes the issue to another level. The Insurance Information Institute lists the following aggressive driving behaviors to look out for:
- Failing to yield to stop signs, traffic lights, pedestrian crosswalks or other drivers’ right of way
- Speeding or racing other cars
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Cutting off other vehicles
- Blocking other vehicles from changing lanes
- Yelling obscenities or using hand gestures towards others
Driver anger may turn into road rage, taking danger to the next level. Motorists with road rage may exit their vehicles to approach another driver, often with the intent to harm. They may hit other vehicles or cause accidents on purpose.
How to respond to the situation
When reacting to a driver with road rage, it may be difficult to keep calm. Many people act defensively when encountering motorists who are acting aggressively towards them. However, this is one of the worst things you could do. It is best to remain calm and contact law enforcement rather than engage with the angry driver. Officers can handle the problem safely and you may avoid aggravating the angry driver even more.