If you have been stuck in North Carolina traffic, you may have experienced feelings of anger while behind the wheel. Whether on your way to an important meeting or running late for an appointment, it is frustrating to get caught behind a slow driver.
Road rage is not uncommon throughout the United States, as 80% of adult motorists admit that they have felt feelings of rage and anger while driving at some point within the last year.
The facts
While it is not dangerous to feel anger when driving, aggressive driving behaviors affect everyone on the road. Over a five-year period, 56% of deadly car accidents involved some form of aggressive driving, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2018, speeding was involved in the deaths of 9,378 people.
Furthermore, drunk and distracted drivers make issues worse, as they increase the risk of car accidents, injuries and deaths.
Signs of road rage
You may get side-swiped or cut off by an aggressive driver. It is important that you contact law enforcement if you should spot someone driving recklessly. Signs of aggressive driving include the following:
- Failing to obey traffic signals or traffic signs
- Failing to yield to other drivers’ right of way
- Speeding or racing other vehicles
- Cutting off other vehicles or blocking them from changing lanes
- Honking excessively and yelling expletives
- Following too closely or tailgating
Road rage can take matters a step further. Angry drivers may actually hit other vehicles or get out of their cars to start a physical altercation with other motorists. Some may have weapons with the intent to cause harm.
If you feel that your anger is rising as you are driving, try playing some relaxing music, take deep breaths or pull over and take a break to calm down.
