Road Rage is Toxic and Risky - A road is no place to settle a dispute!

Incidents of aggressive driving have increased dramatically

Article by Igor Gavric

Road rage or aggressive driving is not a new problem in our society and what is very alarming is the fact that incidents of aggressive driving have increased dramatically. You don't need to read statistical report to know we have a serious problem with road rage and aggressive driving, just start watching your local news or browse the Internet to see movie clips people are posting online, as more and more people pop dash cameras into their vehicles. Most of us have experienced or observed some kind of aggressive driving incident, and I dare say many drivers may even be guilty of provoking a minor incident at one time or another, but we should combat dangerous driving and aim to make the time we spend on the road a more pleasant and safer experience.

Road rage and aggressive driving is socially unacceptable behavior, but it is not yet as unacceptable as driving under the influence of alcohol.

However, why this problem is on the rise and why more people either are taking extremely dangerous risks behind the wheel or are engaging in deadly confrontations with other motorists? When did we get so hateful on the roads?

Although there are many causes of road rage and aggressive driving, most experts agree, a leading factor is the problem of congestion. We are driving more (35 to 40 percent more in last 25 years) and the number of roads has increased by just 1 to 3 percent, compared to the same period, depending on your location. Bad economy has forced more people to commute and constant construction on aging infrastructures has added congestion and more time to commutes. Another problems that are big trigger for aggressive behavior are distracted drivers, tailgaters, the fast pace of our modern society and weather conditions. Personal problems and medications can also make people short-tempered and snippy. I would also note that road rage is not just limited to urban settings. It affects rural areas, as well.

For many drivers, the vehicles become an extension of their personal space and they become defensive when they sense their territory is being encroached upon, which is often the match that lights an already short fuse. We all seem to be coping with our busy schedules and trying to fit more activities into less time, and too many drivers attempt to make up time on the road.

Unfortunately, for some senseless people the problematic behavior goes much deeper than just tension or being stressed. They are using road range not just as an extension of the anger in their lives, but they are hiding behind anonymity of their actions, feeling safe acting in ways they would never put their name to. Many of them are accustomed to moving through the world cowardly and act like that because they believe they will never get caught and there will never be a retribution for their wrongdoing.

How to Handle Road Rage

Road rage and hostility is toxic and risky and anyone cam become an aggressive driver! Never underestimate the potential for violence in any person. Keep your cool in traffic, be courteous and patient to other drivers and try to correct unsafe driving habits that are likely to endanger, infuriate, or antagonize other motorists.

If you come across aggressive driver or you agitated another driver, do not give in to feelings of anger. Giving into anger will not only irritate the situation further, it can have deadly consequences. Before reacting to another person's mistake or someone challenging you, remind yourself that other driver is just bad at handling stress, assume it is not intentional or personal, avoid eye contact or any other reaction and continue driving safe. Keep in mind that you win by not engaging and staying safe is more important than teaching someone a dangerous lesson. Hopefully we can all learn the lesson that the highway is no place to settle a dispute.

If you are a driver with some type of aggression issue, try to control your reactions and avoid all conflicts. Yes, you want to retaliate and smash through that car or truck that just cut you off or flipped you off or whatever the reason you got mad at it, but think of it this way: Is my retaliation worth me possibly killing or permanently injuring myself, the person in that vehicle or an innocent bystander? Always keep in mind that the victims of irrational highway violence are frequently not the intended targets but innocent passengers and pedestrians. Before responding violently to situation ask yourself: Is it worth the time and money for a lawsuit or a jail sentence? Try to remember, impulsive actions can ruin the rest of your life in split second.

Did You Know?

A recent AAA study reported that incidents of aggressive driving have increased by 51 percent since 1991 and that nearly 90 percent of motorists have experienced an aggressive driving incident within the past year.

Some citizens in USA have become so afraid of driving on the roads that grassroots groups are established to combat dangerous driving.

In Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, a 34-year-old woman suffered two broken arms while being attacked with a crowbar. The victim was attacked at 6:30 a.m. while on her way home after dropping off her husband at work. She had honked her horn at a car stopped on the roadway, police said. The driver of that car followed the woman and attacked her with a crowbar. A 28-year-old man, is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and possessing a weapon dangerous to the public. Police credited the arrest to tips received from the public.

Road rage has become an alarming problem in State of Utah. Recent polls show that citizens are now more frightened about becoming victims of violence on the highway than they are about becoming victims of gang violence.

In approximately 4,400 of the 10,037 known aggressive driving incidents in the United States, the perpetrator used a firearm, knife, club, fist, feet or other standard weapon for the attack.

In approximately 2,300 cases the aggressive driver used an even more powerful weapon -- his or her own vehicle.

In approximately 1,250 cases the aggressive driver used his or her own vehicle and a standard weapon like a gun, knife, or club.

People most prone to anger are almost three times more likely to have a heart attack than those with low anger levels, according to the American Psychological Association. Other health risk in those who display hostility include obesity, depression and stroke.