Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Being on the road, it is expected that you will come across some vigorous drivers. These drivers could be screaming, yelling profanities, and even committing road violence. This article will tell you what road rage and dangerous driving is, if you could be one of these aggressive drivers, and how to avoid sticky situations when you come across one.
What is Road Rage?
When a driver shows extreme anger with the intent of hurting another driver physically or verbally and/or causing property damage, this counts as road rage. Road rage can come in these forms:
- Rude and provocative gestures
- Profanity
- Bumping and crashing into other vehicles
- Harassing and bothering other drivers with brakes and headlights.
- Forcing other vehicles off the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association categorizes road rage as a criminal offense while aggressive driving is categorized as a traffic violation.
Aggressive driving could contribute to road rage. However, these two terms are not the same. Aggressive driving occurs when the driver commits traffic violations that endangers other drivers and vehicles on the road. These actions could include:
- Tailgating
- Speeding in crowded areas
- Cutting off other drivers
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Weaving in traffic
- Changing lanes frequently.
What Causes Road Rage?
While there are many causes of road rage, the most common reason for road rage to occur is anger. Here are situations that could lead to road rage.
- Traffic Delays
Traffic jams could be bothersome for everybody. Especially if people have to be somewhere and/or running late. Traffic delays could cause drivers to tailgate, change lanes frequently in condensed areas and become angered by anyone who slows them down.
- Anonymity
Drivers sometimes commit traffic violations when they have the mindset that other drivers can’t see them and won’t remember them after a short amount of time. This kind of thinking could lead to dangerous road rage.
- Disregard of Others
Some people have different concepts on what they believe is acceptable when on the road. Some drivers don’t show regards to pedestrians, bikers, other drivers etc. which could anger others around them and lead into a confrontation. Tailgating, speeding, cutting off other cars, changing lanes, and talking on the phone are all actions that could lead to road rage. Think to yourself, are you one of those drivers that commit to aggressive driving behaviors?
- Stress
Stress is a pretty common thing amongst everybody. Stress however, could be a big contribution to your road rage. Someone may be late for work, school or other things. That combined with many other things people could be worrying about could not be a good thing for the person behind the wheel and for those around them.
How to Avoid Road Rage
If you or someone close to you could be prone to road rage, here are the following things you should do to prevent it next time you’re on the road.
- Get Good Rest
Sleep deprivation has been linked to feeling easily irritated or angered. Getting your 8 hours of sleep everyday could help calm you down and it’ll be especially beneficial for when on the road.
- Limit Alcohol
One of the biggest rules of driving is to NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Drinking could cause an increase of irritation. Drinking could also impair your judgments and reactions which could be extremely dangerous for you and others around you.
- Think about Consequences
Rage could completely take over a person. It can cause them to do heinous acts without them caring about what could happen to them next. It could also lead to heavy financial compensation such as property damage, harm to others etc. Think about your consequences before you commit any actions.
- Leave Your Appointments Earlier
It’s always better to get somewhere earlier than you should. That way, when you arrive at your destination, you won’t have to worry about anything besides waiting for your specific appointment/ event.
- Keep Good Manners
Good manners and civility can spread to other drivers. This can help calm down an already tense situation and could even help the driver on the other side feel better as well. Use your horn wisely and let others know their mistake mannerfully.
- Put Yourself in Their Situation
If someone is driving slowly, before you do anything aggressive, put yourself in their shoes. There are many reasons someone could be driving slowly, maybe it’s their first time driving and they’re experiencing anxiety. Your aggression towards them will not benefit anyone.