National Safety Month Week Two: Roadway Safety & Road Rage

It is Week Two of the 28th annual National Safety Month and the topic is roadway safety. Aggressive driving is a term coined by the NHTSA describing traffic infractions such as running read lights, speeding, tailgating, and cutting off other drivers. Road Rage is a criminal offence including threatening other drivers with a weapon, side-swiping other vehicles, forcing other vehicles off the road, and assault. Both Aggressive Driving and Road Rage are dangerous behaviors. Road Rage incidents have been prevalent in the news over the last few years - read on for more information.

According to the Consumer Affairs website, 92% of Americans have reported witnessing a road rage incident in the past year with 89% reporting they had been a victim of road rage. Aggressive driving can quickly transition to road rage. Those who report having engaged in road rage behavior indicated that they were most likely to engage in the behavior when they were stressed, running late, driving in heavy traffic, overly tired, or angry. Road rage incidents appear to occur most frequently with young drivers (under the age of 19), in the summer months, and during heavy commute hours (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM).

According to a recent article in the Zebra,

• A total of 12,610 injuries and 218 murders have been attributed to road rage over a seven-year period in the United States (SafeMotorist).

• In 2022, someone was shot and killed in a road rage incident every 16 hours. (Everytown Research)

• 66% of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving (NHTSA)

• Road rage has been responsible for about 300 deaths since 2013. (NHTSA)

• 30 murders annually are linked to road rage. (American Psychological Association)

To avoid being a victim of road rage incidents, follow safety driving practices yourself and avoid behaviors that may trigger road rage in another driver. Safe driving behaviors include but are not limited to driving at a speed that is suitable to the weather and level of congestion, being courteous to other drivers and allow them to merge, use your turn signal responsibly and avoid cutting off other drivers, do not tailgate, pay attention to your surroundings, and be judicious with your use of the horn.

If you find yourself int he middle of a road rage incident, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. Do not escalate, avoid eye contact with the other driver. If they are threatening you, drive to a public place such as a police station or hospital. Do not hesitate to call 9-1-1.

Road Rage is a serious problem on our roadways and can result in serious injury or death. Do not escalate the situation when you encounter aggressive or angry driver on the road. Take responsibility for your own driving behaviors and drive safely, follow road laws, and be considerate of other drivers.