SOURCES: Barry Markell, PhD, psychotherapist, Park Ridge, Ill. Ava Cadell, Motorcycle Safety, Toggle child links for A8. This and many other behaviors can get your fleets drivers in trouble with the law. When people experience irritability, frustration, and anxiety due to stress, they can become easily irritable and lash out on the road. Do you know what's causing you to be a road rager? Rein In the Rage: Anger and Heart Disease. Focus on compliance: Spending too many hours on the road is one of the causes of aggressive driving. Before we publish a review, we utilize and evaluate the products we recommend. Of course, some situations such as stress, tiredness or the bad behavior of other drivers could lead any motorist to drive aggressively. Go out of your way to educate your fleet drivers about the dangers of driving while stressed and fatigued. Depending on the actions of other road users and events in the roadway environment, you may experience anxiety, nervousness, frustration or anger. Think of the highway as a conveyor belt everyone will get to their destination eventually, so there is no need to speed or act impolite to save a few minutes. Causes Treatment Takeaway What is aggressive behavior? Existing statutes, including reckless driving laws, may be strengthened or aggressive driving laws may be enacted. During inclement weather, drivers must take extra precautions and be careful when behind the wheel. One of the most common causes of aggressive driving is stress. If you let this feeling take over, you are likely to behave in a rushed and discourteous manner while driving. Limit alcohol -- "Alcohol can make you rageful," Cadell says (not to mention impair your driving other ways). Avoid angering others. However, are you aware of all of the potential negative effects of aggressive driving? As of January 1, 2020 the. When you make mistakes, acknowledge them and give the drivers around you a friendly nod or wave. Is EPLI Insurance Necessary? You are doing your drivers, and your fleet, a favor by cultivating an environment that it is safe and acceptable to take regular breaks. As the device collects this information, you will begin to notice patterns and see the things that trigger any aggressive behaviors in your drivers. What Causes Aggressive Driving. Only through individual motorists taking responsibility for their own feelings and actions can we begin to reverse this national epidemic. Be sure to give the other drivers license plate number and pertinent information. Stubborn UK inflation may lead to 7% interest rates, economists warn Do not react to an aggressive driver intentionally harassing you. Biological theories consider aggressive behaviour to be innate although specific responses can be modified by experience. Dont confuse aggressive driving with road rage. asks Barry Markell, PhD, a psychotherapist in Park Ridge, Ill., who has treated many perpetrators and victims of road rage. Some examples of aggressive driving include: Aggressive driving is the cause of many car accidents and other crimes, and its just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to problems that happen when people under stress get behind the wheel of a vehicle. This ensures that your drivers can communicate with you about any problems that arise and any scheduling concerns. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Types Road rage can include: [5] Shouting, excessive use of a horn or obscene gestures and threats. Aggressive driving can lead to dangerous situations and should be avoided at all costs. Its a good idea to first take a look at who is most likely to drive aggressively in order to better understand what causes aggressive driving better. Use: In general, States provide for increased penalties for repeat offenders and for violations with serious consequences. We make no representation, warranty or claim that the information contained on this website is current. Behind the wheel, the negative consequences of your bad mood could end up lasting a lifetime. Aggressive driving is the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents. Aggressive drivers, as distinct from aggressive driving, often can be identified as those who violate traffic laws repeatedly or whose violations lead to crashes producing serious injury or death. Aggressive drivers are on the offensive, and this means they lose the benefits of defensive driving. Laws and legal requirements are subject to revision and interpretation. Here are the most important steps to consider: The first thing you should do after an accident with an aggressive driver is to call the police. Unless you are a traffic safety officer, it is not your job to enforce the rules of the road or punish the bad behavior of others behind the wheel. Individuals with this style aren't necessarily intending to cause harm. Slow down or exit the roadway if necessary, but do not pull off to the side of the road or try to reason with an angry driver. Do not try to teach other drivers a lesson.. All rights reserved. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Think about how many times on a day-to-day basis your emotions affect the choices you make and the way you go about things. Nothing contained on this website constitutes a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of a specific legal matter. Feel free to add as many referrals as you want, just click Add AnotherReferral.. But in grocery store line, everyone involved is a person. A year ago, according to news reports, Corrine Leclair-Holler, then 29, was talking on her cellphone while driving in Concord, N.H. Another driver, Carissa Williams, then 23, yelled at her, then pulled ahead. Road ragers don't see the offender as a person. Stress, lack of sleep, fatigue, and rush-hour traffic are all factors that can lead to aggressive behavior. Young men initiate most road-rage incidents, but anyone can feel rage behind the wheel. If necessary, pull off the road or take an exit and let them go on by. Developing sound emotional control is a part of growing up. Road Rage Root Cause Here are a few other causes of aggressive driving. An experienced personal injury lawyer will evaluate your case and determine how much you should expect to receive for your current and future losses, including your physical and emotional pain and suffering and lost quality of life. Any purposeful, dangerous action fueled by frustration, impatience, anger or stress qualifies as aggressive driving. Additionally, harsh winds can lead to gusts that can push a car off course or in hazardous directions. The good news is there are things you can do to avoid becoming aggressive on the road, including: Protect your rights if you have been injured by an aggressive driver. There are many different theoretical approaches to aggressive behaviour and none are considered complete explanations. Drive the speed limit, use turn signals, obey traffic signs and signals, and yield whenever possible. What Causes Road Rage? | Psychology Today and in extreme cases colliding into another vehicle. You know that familiar tightening feeling, the red tinge to your vision -- some bozo cuts you off, slows down as you are about to pass, is going under the limit in the left lane, doesn't signal, is on the phone, keeps you from making the light -- and it's showdown time at the "I am not OK Corral." Aggressive drivers that cause accidents typically have violated one or more traffic laws, and if the police determine a traffic violation has occurred, they will likely issue the driver a citation or even arrest him or her. Any information contained on this website should not be relied upon without consulting with an attorney licensed to practice in the jurisdiction in which your matter arises. Perhaps someone cuts you off, runs a stop sign next to you, merges improperly, etc. What's the cure? Road ragers don't think about the consequences or even about other people on the road as real people with real families.". If youre the owner of a fleet of vehicles and you want to make sure youre up to date on aggressive driving education and how to mitigate it in your fleet, keep reading to find out more. One of the most common causes of aggressive driving is stress. Retain an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as you can. Copyright 2020 Advantage Insurance Solutions. Show them how to manage their reactions in a more effective way. The Ultimate Guide to the Different Types of Windows, The Benefits of Pursuing a Career in Nursing, Top Ten Taxpayers In India: Know Everything About The Highest Taxpayer Companies, A Quick Guide to California Motorcycle Laws. Unfortunately, it can lead to some very serious consequences. Make sure your company offers opportunities for advancement. Don't stare, glare, honk, or retaliate -- that fuels the fire. Dealing with Speeding and Aggressive Drivers NHTSA In Action Dangers of Speeding Speeding For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. Aggressive driving refers to a range of behaviors behind the wheel that stem from stress, impatience, or frustration, and that can put others at unnecessary risk of harm. Aggressive driving refers to dangerous driving that disregards safety and courtesy. Aggressive driving actions are covered by specific traffic laws, such as the laws regarding speeding, improper lane changes, and following too closely, or by general laws, such as those that target reckless . Human emotions are powerful forces which can easily disrupt an ideal mental state if left unchecked. In some cases, aggressive driving and road rage incidents can occur. Bicycle Safety, Toggle child links for A10. Road Rage: Definition, Causes, Effects & Facts Aggressive driving is triggered by anger yours or another drivers. Forget the idea of winning on the road. Drive cautiously and be courteous to other drivers you might just save a life. Different behaviors we may observe with aggressive driving would be excessively using the horn, weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, yelling, making crude gestures. Drivers with low traffic tolerances may react by tailgating, changing lanes frequently, or becoming enraged at anyone who slows them down. From 1985 to 1995 in the U.S., the number of registered motor vehicles increased 19 . In the event that you are hurt by someone who was driving aggressively, there are certain steps you can take to protect your rights and ensure that you obtain any compensation you are owed under California law. Markell recommends governments build more roads. In 2018, 51,490 drivers and motorcyclists were involved in fatal crashes that involved the behaviors commonly linked with aggressive driving, from driving too fast to making an improper turn. Should I Get A New Or Used Car For My Teenager? immediately. Did you find this article helpful? What is Road Rage? Definition & Causes | GEICO Living If you have been injured in an accident caused by an aggressive driver, theres a good chance that youre entitled to compensation for your accident-related losses under California law. In addition, waiting to start your case can run the risk of the loss or destruction of evidence that you need to win your case. Are HOA Board Members Subject to Personal Liability in Court Cases? The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon for legal compliance purposes. Drivers who have been behind the wheel for a while, and especially drivers who are low on sleep, are at a greater risk of developing aggressive behaviors behind the wheel. According to the NHTSA, aggressive driving is when "an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property." Road rage takes things one step. They go out of control. Instead, an increase in aggressive driving more than made up for the decline in driving. Competitive drivers may do things such as: They may even become verbally or physically aggressive in some cases, and its all in the service of reaching their goal faster than everyone else. If you encounter a driver experiencing road rage, it is likely that they are the most dangerous hazard in the roadway environment. Check out the rest of our blog. However, someone who violates these laws can expect anywhere from the requirement to attend an aggressive driving course, amisdemeanor charge, ora serious criminal charge. Don't gesture at other drivers, not even a headshake. The Causes of Aggressive Driving & Road Rage: Impatience, Stress & Anger There are few driving situations more frustrating than packed roadways, where every motorist is competing for space. Every year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports approximately 500,000 collisions with 200,000 injuries and 4,000 fatalities as a result. This phenomenon can make people who are polite and courteous in person behave with uncharacteristic aggression behind the wheel. Do not be disheartened, knowledge is power! In our latest infographic, we share the latest statistics regarding how aggressive driving behaviors and road rage negatively impact your health and safety. Leon James, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Hawaii and author of. Causes of Road Rage and How to Handle It - Top Driver Driving School Remember that as a new driver, you will easily fall victim to overwhelming emotions while in the drivers seat. Facebook Aggressive driving, which can evolve into violent behavior known as "road rage," can cause many serious problems on our highways, including deaths of drivers and passengers. Attorney F. Craig Wilkerson, Jr. is a former Marine Corps officer with approximately 20 years of experience in personal injury and civil litigation. "No," you may say, "I am an assertive driver." There is a reason insurance premiums following a ticket can shock self-identified assertive drivers. Allow them to pass you and, if possible, find an alternate route. While scanning the roadway for potential threats, you must watch out for any motorists displaying aggressive behavior. The average offender has raged at least 27 times, according to one study. Most existing reckless driving statues carry relatively minor penalties and may be difficult to prosecute according to NHTSA (2001a). All rights reserved, Why should I be courteous when everybody else is being rude?, Ill drive closer to make them go faster., Ill just squeeze in ahead of this person., Getting angry will not change anything., Relax. Economic damages account for medical bills, lost income and earning capacity, the costs of future treatment, and any other out-of-pocket costs incurred by the victim. Any results portrayed in this advertisement are dependent upon the facts and law applicable to each particular case, and results will differ based on the particular facts and law applicable in each case. But Markell, says that may be distracting. This keeps your drivers aware and safe. Here's What You Need to Know, We take protecting your data and privacy very seriously. It can also be caused by your own mood, reactions, and ability to deal with stress on and off the road. If someone wants to pass, slow down and let them. It can also be caused by your own mood, reactions, and ability to deal with stress on and off the road. You make up your mind to hit your blinker a few seconds before the end of the traffic light. "With road rage, you're basically driving under the influence of impaired emotions," says Leon James, PhD, a professor of psychology at University of Hawaii and co-author of Road Rage and Aggressive Driving. Stress. Drivers under the influence of alcohol often become overly impaired and assume a false sense of confidence behind the wheel. ", Cadell thinks anger management should be taught in every high school. Causes of Road Rage Although the elements that cause road rage can vary, anger is one of the most common causes. Therefore, it's up to the victim to control the situation. Look out for these behaviors and feelings in yourself while driving. Some are undesirable roadway situations, while others are personality traits or states of mind. Anger management classes or counseling can help you deal with the stress in your life and in your car that may be contributing to your behavior. Get away from drivers who are angry or . Some other States that do not have aggressive driving laws per se, still include behaviors similar to aggressive driving in other laws, such as reckless driving (California, New Jersey, and Utah). All aggressive driving is bad driving, but not all bad driving is aggressive driving. Youtube That's because anyone can take offense at what they think another driver is doing. For EACH friend that completes an order with us, you get $5.00. Anonymity has been shown, not just with driving but in general, to be associated with more risk-taking behavior and increased probability of seeing criminal behavior. These emotional states rarely come on suddenly and can easily escape your notice if youre not paying attention! Understand that you will encounter some bad driving behavior on extremely congested roadways. You must pay attention and act defensively, to protect yourself against the threat such drivers pose. You may make impulsive, dangerous decisions or take actions that will anger other drivers. Be aware of your driving. We are all complex human beings, with unique life experiences, who react differently to different situations. You may find it useful to have a go-to phrase or mantra which you can say instead when these negative thoughts occur. You need a lawyer who is committed to pursuing maximum compensation for every client and who will review your case at no cost to you. There is no end to the list of things that can set off an aggressive driver. The fast and the furious - American Psychological Association (APA) Unfortunately, there is no way to completely eliminate your risk of being injured by an aggressive driver. Its dangerous, its unacceptable, and it puts everyone, including you, at risk. Contact us today! This can really help. Extreme stress is incredibly distracting and tends to heighten all other emotional responses. What Is Aggressive Driving? Make sure that you provide the police with any evidence that you have, such as photographs or videos. It's also important to differentiate aggressive driving from high sensation-seeking. Required fields are marked *. There are laws in place to protect motorists from aggressive driving. Road rage has happened to more than half of all drivers. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate only to those conditions specifically discussed. In the event of an accident where someone is killed, your company can be held responsible no matter who the injured party is. Sometimes this is referred to as reckless driving or the reckless driving style. Even if you are not injured, it is important to document any pain or discomfort that you experience after the accident. The NCHRP, 1.1 Administrative License Revocation or Suspension, 3.2 Limits on Diversion and Plea Agreements, 4.1 Alcohol Problem Assessment and Treatment, 4.5 Lower BAC Limits for Repeat Offenders, Prevention, Intervention, Communications, and Outreach, 5.1 Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention, 6.4 Other Minimum Legal Drinking Age 21 Law Enforcement, Strategies to Improve the Safety of Passenger Vehicle Occupants, 1.1 State Primary Enforcement Seat Belt Use Laws, 1.2 Local Primary Enforcement Seat Belt Use Laws and Ordinances, 1.3 Increased Seat Belt Use Law Penalties: Fines and Drivers License Points, 2.1 Short-Term, High-Visibility Seat Belt Law Enforcement, 2.2 Integrated Nighttime Seat Belt Enforcement, 4.1 Strengthening Child/Youth Occupant Restraint Laws, 5.1 Short-Term High-Visibility Child Restraint/Booster Law Enforcement, 6.2 Strategies for Child Restraint and Booster Seat Use, Strategies to Reduce Speeding and Aggressive Driving, 3.2 Diversion and Plea Agreement Restrictions; Traffic Violator School, 4.1 Communications and Outreach Supporting Enforcement, 1.1 Graduated Driver Licensing Requirements for Beginning Drivers, 1.3 High-Visibility Cell Phone and Text Messaging Enforcement, 2.1 Communications and Outreach on Distracted Driving, 1.2 Motorcycle Helmet Use Promotion Programs, 1.3 Motorcycle Helmet Law Enforcement: Noncompliant Helmets, 2.1 Alcohol-Impaired Motorcyclists: Detection, Enforcement, and Sanctions, 2.2 Alcohol-Impaired Motorcyclists: Communications and Outreach, 4.1 Communications and Outreach: Conspicuity and Protective Clothing, 4.2 Communications and Outreach: Motorist Awareness of Motorcyclists, Strategies to Reduce Crashes Involving Young Drivers, 1.2 GDL Learners Permit Length, Supervised Hours, 1.3 GDL Intermediate License Nighttime Restrictions, 1.4 GDL Intermediate License Passenger Restrictions, 1.7 GDL Intermediate License Violation Penalties, 2.2 Post-Licensure or Second-Tier Driver Education, 3.1 Parental Roles in Teaching and Managing Young Drivers, 3.2 Electronic Technology for Parental Monitoring, 4.1 Enforcement of GDL and Zero-Tolerance Laws, Strategies to Reduce Crashes and Injuries Involving Older Drivers, 2.2 Referring Older Drivers to Licensing Agencies, 2.5 License Renewal Policies: In-Person Renewal, Vision Test, 2.1 Elementary-Age Child Pedestrian Training, 3.1 Impaired Pedestrians: Communications and Outreach, 3.2 Sweeper Patrols of Impaired Pedestrians, 1.3 Bicycle Safety Education for Children, 1.4 Cycling Skills Clinics, Bike Fairs, Bike Rodeos, 2.2 Bicycle Safety Education for Adult Cyclists, 3.1 Active Lighting and Rider Conspicuity, 3.2 Promote Bicycle Helmet Use With Education, 2.1 Communications and Outreach on Drowsy Driving, 3.2 Education Regarding Medical Conditions and Medications, 3.1 Parental Role in Teaching and Managing Young Drivers, 3.1 Communications and Outreach Addressing Impaired Pedestrians. Egotism is a personality trait that describes consideration for ones personal needs and desires above those of other people. Manage your own anger by empathizing with the other driver (assume he or she is having a hard day or made an honest mistake), leaving for your destination early (so you're not stressed by being late), and using deep breathing or soothing music to relax. Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Causes and How to Avoid It It is essential to learn how to keep your negative emotions in check when they do arise, as they can quickly escalate with the added stresses of driving and result in full-blown road rage. In addition to the products weve personally tested, weve received recommendations from many of our readers. She now faces up to 20 years in prison. When a drivers aggression develops into rage, there is very little you can do or say to calm them down. Driving is a responsibility and privilege reserved for mature young adults and adults only. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. If you think you have a problem with anger on the road or aggressive driving, get help. The Bank of England may need to push interest rates to as high as 7% to tackle stubbornly high inflation, economists have warned, amid fears the soaring cost of borrowing could drive the economy . Workers Compensation & Third Party Claims, Lawyer Up: Mastering the Art of Legal Consultations, Youve Got a Strong Personal Injury Claim with These 3 Signs, Timeline of a Personal Injury Case in South Carolina: What to Expect, Recognizing Nursing Home Neglect and How to Take Action, Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident: A Quick Guide. When people experience irritability, frustration, and anxiety due to stress, they can become easily irritable and lash out on the road. It is important to know the signs of aggressive driving and what to do if you are ever involved in an accident due to aggressive driving. Unfortunately, theres a difference between situational aggressive driving and true aggressive driving. A concerted effort Related: Alcohol impairs the ability to make: These can result in careless and reckless behavior and can lead the driver to perform far more risky behaviors than they would under normal circumstances. Aggressive drivers that cause accidents typically have violated one or more traffic laws, and if the police determine a traffic . "Many people," she says, "don't know there are alternative options and ways of releasing anger. Drivers in a rush or feeling overwhelmed are more likely to take unnecessary risks on the road, such as speeding, rapid acceleration, and stopping short. Train yourself to watch out for these impatient, egotistical or angry thoughts and you should be able to put a stop to them before they make you do something stupid. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you cant control or even expect the emotional state of your fleet drivers. "See them as a person. Road rage Rushing: Every driver has, at one point or another, been in a rush to get to their destination. Driving can be very stressful and certainly that can be a trigger for aggressive behavior. It happens a lot: One survey found that nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger or aggression behind the wheel at least once over the course of the prior year. Your attitude behind the wheel directly influences your driving behavior, so it is important to drive only when you are in a calm state. They use driving as a way to experience excitement, which is bad driving, but it's not necessarily aggressive driving. There are risks that motorists take every time they get behind the wheel of a car. Ignore rude and bad drivers on the road. This documentation can be used to support a compensation claim later. The Common Causes of Aggressive Driving | Pulchra Phone: (213) 568-4000Fax: (213) 568-4100Email: contactus@blairramirez.com. This can help them keep track of everything and eliminates the possibility of forgetting important things that can lead to stress. This isnt an invasion of a drivers privacy, its a tool that makes it easier for you to provide training and feedback to drivers who run the risk of being aggressive behind the wheel. You should also recognize great performers with public recognition and rewards. With all of the dangers posed by weather, it can cause individuals to drive aggressively, often endangering themselves and the other drivers around them. It is important not to take an aggressive drivers actions personally, even if you are the target. Aggressive driving is extremely common among U.S. drivers. This is common. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Additionally, drivers with children and drivers who are on their cell phones are most likely to react aggressively when behind the wheel. What can fleet managers do about aggressive driving? If you got in trouble,visit here for moredetails about a committed team of knowledgeable lawyers whowill help you out. Causes of aggressive driving and how to solve it Published on May 28, 2018 in Driver Safety by Michael Manalang | 3 minute read Table of contents Aggressive driving vs. road rage What causes people to drive aggressively? 7 Surprising Signs of Aggressive Driving - I Drive Safely Learn more about what to do when you are a victim of road rage! Pedestrian Safety, Toggle child links for A9. Make sure to keep reading and check out this information! The state has several laws to help keep drivers safe, but it is crucial to know what aggressive driving is and how to respond to it. Aggressive driving behavior includes tailgating, unsafe passing, honking your horn, making rude gestures, or swearing at other drivers. Leave plenty of time for a trip so that if traffic or another delay occurs, you can keep your cool. Road rage is a criminal act where a driver tries to intentionally injure or kill another driver, passenger, or pedestrian. As of May 2018 some 11 States have aggressive driving lawsArizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia (Essex et al., 2018). You must know how to deal with aggression on the road just in case you ever find yourself in hot water. A motorist who is suffering with road rage may completely disregard traffic laws, defensive driving protocols, their own safety and the safety of those around them. What Are the Primary Causes of Road Rage? | Rhoades & Morrow An attorney can help you understand your rights and will work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. I'm going to use the definition that aggressive driving is driving behavior intended to cause harm. 1.2 Aggressive Driving and Other Laws | NHTSA The data that a driver management tool gives you is one piece of the puzzle, unless you can understand the context behind the behavior you wont be able to use it as a learning tool.