Tag Archive: Road Rage
Rude Drivers Worse Than Dangerous Drivers?
August 27, 2014
Rude drivers tend to bring up feelings of anger and frustration more than drivers who perform dangerous maneuvers according to an interesting study conducted by the Queensland University of Technology in Australia. The study followed 209 drivers in Queensland for a week and the drivers were asked to record negative events that they experienced while driving.
Most drivers reported rude behavior on the part of other drivers as being more upsetting than dangerous driving behaviors. Some drivers reported retaliating against the rude driver by use of the horn or hand gestures. Others decided that retaliation of any sort only brought them down to the same level as the rude driver.
Although the study was designed to study thought processes and not safe driving practices, there’s probably little doubt that those drivers who chose not to retaliate were among the safer drivers in the group. It’s not easy to fight the urge to retaliate in some way when someone is rude but those who forget it and drive on are taking the safest approach. Retaliating in some way could possibly trigger a road rage situation.
Driver courtesy is a practice that isn’t seen much anymore but, to survive on the roads, it’s a critical skill to develop. Perhaps the hardest skill to develop is to act courteously to other drivers even when that courtesy isn’t returned. Practicing that skill on today’s roads is becoming more critical to driver safety. Read more: Driver Etiquette More Important To Road Users Than Safe Driving
America’s Least Courteous Drivers
May 16, 2014
Auto Vantage, an insurance company for motorists, has come out with its annual survey of cities with the worst instances of aggressive drivers and road rage. This year’s winner is Houston which moved from eighth place in 2013 all the way to first. Portland Oregon placed first in the category of most courteous drivers for the second year in a row. Congratulations to the winners! Read more: AutoVantage Survey on Road Rage Highlights Best, Worst American Cities
Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
August 12, 2010
What is Aggressive Driving?
Before defining what aggressive driving is, let’s define what it is not. Although commonly used interchangeably, aggressive driving and road rage are not synonymous with each other. Road rage refers to a criminal offense or violent crime. For example, using a vehicle as a weapon and assaulting a driver are both examples of road rage.
An aggressive driver is defined as a person who “Operates a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of other users of the streets and highways.” Using this definition makes it easier for people to distinguish between the two.
>Spotting an Aggressive Driver
If it seems that aggressive drivers are all over, probably because they are. Instances of aggressive driving are increasing. The increase is typically associated with the overcrowding of roadways which leads to congestion which causes drivers’ frustration. To ensure safety on the roadways it is important to understand how to spot an aggressive driver. The following traffic violations are typically displayed by aggressive drivers:
- Speeding
- Frequent and/or Unsafe Lane Changing
- Failing to signal a lane change or turn
- Tailgating
- Failing to Yield to the driver with the Right of Way
- Running traffic lights
- Driving while impaired
>>Encountering an Aggressive Driver
After defining the difference between aggressive driving and road rage, the thought of sharing a roadway with an aggressive driver should be less frightening. However, it is still unsafe. Even thought aggressive drivers are not trying to physically harm you, they do not have any regard for the safety of other drivers. If (when) you encounter an aggressive driver, the police recommends the following basic tips:
- Remain Calm
- Maintain a Safe Distance
- Do not pass, unless it’s absolutely necessary
- Once it’s safe, change lanes and move out an aggressive drivers way
- If unable to change lines and being tailgated, maintain a safe speed and do not respond to any hostile gestures
>>>Avoiding Aggressive Drivers
Wouldn’t it be great if there was a fool proof way to guarantee avoidance of aggressive drivers? Unfortunately, that is not possible. However, there are things drivers can do individually to reduce the likelihood of encountering an aggressive driver. The following tips and the will help drivers ensure their safety.
- Observe common courtesy.
- Avoid actions that can provoke aggressive behaviors from other drivers.
- Reduce your stress level while driving.
- Keep your emotions in check.
- Before reacting, think about the possible reactions to your reactions.
Adhering to the recommended driving tips listed above will help to avoid the frustration of dealing with an aggressive driver. However, it is important to remember that drivers who are unable to keep their emotions under control while driving are a greater risk to themselves than the people around them are.