Aggressive Driving and Road Rage 3/25/2010
What is Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving is defined as a progression of unlawful driving actions such as: speeding, improper or excessive lane changing, failing to signal intent, or improper passing (such as using an emergency lane to pass, or passing on the shoulder).
What is Road Rage?
Road rage is defined as an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or an assault precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway. In order for an incident to be defined as road rage, there must be willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others. Road rage is when someone deliberately tried to cause harm as a result of something that happened while driving a car.
Road rage can be identified by such aggressive driving behaviors as:
- Running stop signs and red lights
- Speeding, tailgating and frequently changing lanes
- Passing on the right of a vehicle
- Physically expressing frustration by cursing, yelling, gesturing to other drivers.
- Not paying attention. Eating, drinking, talking on the phone, reading while driving.
If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, your best course of action is to get out of his way so he can get away from you. Resist the urge to not let him pass, or not let him merge. Do not make eye contact. You don't want to see any gestures he may be using, and you don't want to be tempted to return the sentiment. This back and forth is exactly what often leads to road rage.
What you can do to avoid road rage:
- Stay calm
- Plan ahead and allow enough time for your trip
- Avoid following other vehicles too closely
- Use your horn only when necessary
- When you merge, make sure you have plenty of room.
- Drive in the passing lane only if you are passing
- Always use your turn signal to show your intentions before making a move.
- Avoid gestures that may offend others
- Remember to use low-beam headlights when other vehicles are near
Additional Resources:
The Idaho State Police is a great source of information regarding road safety. You can visit their web site at: www.isp.state.id.us/
You can get information about the ISP Highway Safety Programs at: www.itd.idaho.gov
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 6 million vehicle crashes in 2001. We have no way of knowing how many of those were a direct result of either road rage, or aggressive driving, but it is safe to assume that many of these could have been avoided. We can also assume that if people drove less aggressively, that a significant number of the more than 42,000 people who died in this country in 2001 as a result of vehicle crashes would still be with us today.