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Enraged drivers at higher risk of causing accidents

On Behalf of | Nov 4, 2021 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

It is no easy feat for drivers to navigate through traffic when they are late to an appointment or work meeting. The very act can make some drivers irritated, angry or even enraged. Angry motorists often display dangerous driving behaviors, which endanger the lives of everyone on the road.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, enraged driving behaviors were involved in more than 56% of deadly car accidents in the U.S. It is critical for motorists to understand how to spot the signs of road rage and what to do if they themselves experience this feeling.

What to look for

According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are certain hazardous driving behaviors that characterize drivers with road rage. These include the following:

  • Speeding and racing other vehicles
  • Blocking other motorists from changing lanes
  • Cutting off other motorists and rapidly switching lanes
  • Honking excessively and yelling at other motorists
  • Failing to yield to traffic signals, traffic signs or other drivers’ right of way
  • Passing on the shoulder or other areas where passing is prohibited

Motorists with road rage may take it a step further and actually hit other vehicles, causing serious accidents out of frustration. They may exit their vehicles and threaten other drivers with physical harm.

What to do

Motorists should never engage with angry drivers and yell back or make eye contact with them. In some situations, it may escalate the problem. Instead, people should alert law enforcement officers and tell them the location of the problem.

Furthermore, if motorists start to feel the rage coming on while driving, they may want to pull over, listen to calm music or practice deep breathing. They may avoid a catastrophic car accident.

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