The dangers of road rage: Putting lives at risk

On Behalf of | Nov 20, 2019 | Personal Injury

Road rage can occur at any given moment while driving on the roads of Indiana. In fact, at least 80% of drivers in America admit that they have experienced road rage within the last year. With people rushing to get to an important appointment or meeting, it can be stressful to get stuck in traffic or behind a slow driver. Aggressive driving behaviors often accompany road rage and put countless lives in danger every day.

Drivers should be on the lookout for road rage and report the behavior to law enforcement. When motorists are able to identify aggressive driving behaviors, they can minimize the risk of becoming involved in a deadly car accident. Some of these dangerous driving behaviors include the following:

  • Failing to yield to traffic signals, traffic signs, pedestrian crosswalks and other drivers’ right of way
  • Racing other vehicles or speeding
  • Erratic lane changing, blocking or cutting off other drivers
  • Following too closely or tailgating
  • Excessive horn honking
  • Yelling obscenities and displaying inappropriate hand gestures

In some cases, people may become so enraged while driving that they bump other vehicles with their cars or get out of their vehicles to initiate a physical altercation.

Speeding is one of the most common signs of aggressive driving behaviors and also one of the most deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly one-third of all car accident deaths over the past two decades involved speeding.

Law enforcement officers urge drivers to avoid interacting with aggressive motorists, as it may cause further problems. Instead, alert law enforcement to the issue.